3 1833 00097 8558
Cc 977.201 R89s v. 2
Gary, Abraham Lincoln, 1868-
Centennial history of Rush
County, Indiana
C entennial History
of
Rush County. Indiana
Edited t>g
A. L Gary and E. B. Thomas
Rushville, Ind.
In Two Volumes
Illustrated
VOLUME II
1921
HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY
INDIANAPOLIS
Biography is the only true history. — Emerson.
A people that take no pride in the achievements of remote an-
cestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with
pride by remote generations. — Macaulay.
1435530
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Abernathy, Richard E 420
Addison, Charles T 36
Addison, Henry F 197
Addison, Mrs. Elizabeth C 218
Addison, Thomas J 218
Adkins, Edward 315
Aiken, Edson L 374
Alexander, Elmer E 345
Allen, Lawrence L 257
Amos, Joseph J 40
Amos, J. M 40
Amos, Willard H 92
Anderson, Lyle H 279
Anderson, James W 264
Anderson, John W 53
Anderson, Samuel B 387
Apple, McClelland 290
Applegate, Oscar 52
Arbuckle, James W 59
Archey, Clyde 469
Archey, Hugh C 327
Archey, James P 160
Archey, Mrs. Elizabeth H 161
Armstrong, Anderson 260
Arnold, Dr. John 456
Arnold, Harvey M 451
Arnold, James 291
Arnold, John 456
Arnold, William 410
Austen. Jacob D 49:1
Ball, D. D 254
Ball, Ephraim W 307
Ball, Jonathan 440
Ball, Merrill S 118
Barber, D. D 299
Barnard, David E 175
Barnes, Allen S 421
Barnes, Shelton M 428
Barton, Mrs. Viroqua S 192
Barton, William W 192
Beale Bros 482
Beale, Fred R 482
Beale, John S 482
Beall. Harold 406
Beaver, Birney 278
Beaver, Charles 507
Beaver, John M 75
Beaver, Samuel 495
Beaver, Thomas 364
Bebout, Clata L 124
Beher, Dr. Carl Frederick 159
Beher, T. L 3J0
Bell, Fred B 380
Bell. George H 239
Bell, W. C '_[[ 380
Benning, Charles 44
Benning, John C 437
Berry, Rush 215
Bever, James Madison 282
Bever, John W 266
Billings, George F 500
Billings, W. A 322
Bishop, Josiah 98
Bitner, Leroy 293
Bitner, Walter .." 114
Ulacklidge, Amos H 190
Blacklidge, Mrs. Leonora A. 190
Blount, Raymond L 245
Bosley, William M 22
Bowen, Dr. Joseph F 224
Bowles, William 26S
Bowles, John T 187
Bowling, John 347
Boys, Charles 439
Braden, Arthur 209
Branam, Albert 455
Branam, James W 362
Brodie, George Walter 316
Brooks, Mrs. Alice A 168
Brooks, Don C 244
Brooks, Horrie 42
Brooks, James M 279
Brooks, Jesse C 46S
Brooks. Melvin 168
Brooks, William M 395
Brown, Harvev F 503
Brown, H. R 373
Brown, James A 121
Brown, Jacob R 4S4
Brown, John H 333
Brown, Leslie B 468
Brown, Ollie N 398
Brown, William J 94
Brown, Wilbur C 330
Brownell, Mrs. Augusta L 513
Budd, Rush G 403
Bussell, Guy 415
Bussell, John T 155
Caldwell, Frederick
Caldwell, James E.
Callahan, John \V.
Cameron, George E 439
Cameron, W. A 294
Carmony, D. Ezra 154
Carney, Charles G 70
Caron, Charles J 247
Carr, Goldia 99
Carr, William McCoy 414
Casadv, E. R 196
Catt, Fred E - 95
Catt, Wesley S 255
Chambers, Edward J - 448
Chappell, Herbert W 274
Clark, Lewis M 258
Clifton, James D 331
Coffin, Mrs. Ella J 112
Coffin, Frank M - 112
Collins, John H 349
Colter, Willard 460
Colter, W. Riley 486
Conaway, Henry G - 246
Cook, R. B 391
Cook, Oliver J 200
Coon, Jasper N 491
Cowan, Samuel E 119
Cox, Miles S 485
Cox, Robert Stewart 484
Cox, Robert W 484
Crane, Claude R 147
Crane, William B 463
Creed, Jesse E 23
Cross, Chase G 24
Cross, Chester F 32
Cross, James M 130
Cross, John F 77
Culbertson, William C 167
Custer, Charles F... 492
D
Darnell, Mrs. Ella B 252
Darnell, George W 252
Darnell, Samuel 153
Daubenspeck, H. E 62
Daubenspeck, Paul L 91
Daubenspeck, Philip S S9
Davis, Charley 39
Davis, Larkin 256
Davis, James Henry 163
Davis, John S 314
Davis, Robert Simpson 27
Davison, Elbert C 378
Dean, Dr. Donald H 84
Dearinger, David M 365
Dearinger, Herbert M 357
Dearinger, John R 375
Dillon, Mrs. Cora Wright 505
Dillon, Dr. Otto Parvin 504
Dolan, Edward 204
Downey, Jacob F 72
Downey, John P 352
Downey, T. J 510
Draper, James 122
Draper, Osro M 329
Draper, Waldo 110
Dyer, L. E 56
E
Eakins, Delbert W 487
Ellison, Alonzo P 168
Ellison, Elmer E 243
Ellison, James M 136
English, John L 370
Ertel, Charles W 398
Ertel, J. B 385
Ertel, Thomas H 379
F
Fair, William C .'. 361
Fancher, Mrs. Hettie A 134
Fancher, Johnson A 131
Farlow, Joseph M 427
Farlow, Richard M 479
Farthing, Birney D 516
Farthing, Edward A 272
Finlaw, Dr. Fred H 150
Fisher, James 107
Fisher, William 328
Fey, Joseph 212
Fleener, John D 36
Foster, Charles 363
Foster, Glen E 317
Foster, Paul 471
Foust, Charles H 210
Frazee. Charles A 43
Frazee, William 269
Frazier, John J 442
Fry, W. H 180
Fulton, John 423
G
Gahimer, August 68
Garris, Edd 300
Gartin, William R 197
Gary, Abraham Lincoln 440
Gary, Rev. Thomas B 440
Geise, William Curtis 48
Glendenning, William H 47
George, Arthur H 443
George, C. M 185
George, E. 332
Gilson, Peter 115
Gloshen, Monroe 194
Goddard, Fred 284
Gosnell, Perry 437
Gowdy, John Kennedy 17
Gray, George W 495
Gray, James 334
Gray, John A 511
Gray, Jesse G 23
Gray, Morton P 491
Gray, William H 368
Green, Dr. Charles S 21
Green, Dr. Frank H 21
Green, Dr. J. W 20
Green. Joseph 304
Green, Dr. Lowell M 61
Green, Thomas M 61
Gross, Fred 83
Gross, Henry 10
Gruell, Charles M 222
Gruell, Newton 1 312
Guffin, Henry E 351
Guffin, Lincoln 38
Guffln, Mrs. Minnie G. 352
Gunning, James O... 135
Gwinnup, Sylvester 148
H
Hackleman, Dr. Frank G. 408
Hackleman, Oliver C 408
Hackleman, Pleasant A 408
Hagen, Dewey 116
Hall, James B 434
Hall, Oliver A. J 370
Hall, William A 97
Hammond, John G 55
Harcourt, Lewis Edgar 34
Hardesty, George W 338
Hardin. Joseph E 88
Harrison, John E..._ 292
Harton, Charles H 71
Harton, Orpheus M 387
Heaton, John 270
Heaton, Thomas 29
Heeb, John H 37
Henley, Howard E 376
Henley, Jesse 263
Henley, Milton 237
Henley, Mrs. Orah Dill 141
Henley, Reuben B 294
Henley, Robert B 376
Henley, Thomas Benton 141
Henley, William J 49
Henley, William P 376
Herkless, William L 177
Hill, Amos L 226
Hill, Hon. Rowland H 81
Hilligoss, Cyrus 389
Hilligoss, Dora A 28
Hinchman, A. Burl 494
Hinchman, Earl 478
Hinchman, Marshall 513
Hinchman, O. P. Morton 388
Hinchman, Roland Leslie 508
Hite, Albert M 288
Hite, Birney E 236
Hite, David Fisher 336
Hite, Ira B 465
Hite, Jacob Winfield 267
Hite, Lewis E 273
Holden, Herbert 258
Holden, Theodore F 208
Holmam, Edward 104
Hood, Van 297
Hooten, Henry 466
Hooten, Mrs. Jennie S 467
Hougland, Dr. Charles S 170
Howard, John H
Howell, William A..
Huber, Frank
Hufferd, William T...
320
176
21 53
Hugo, Charles
64
Humes, O. E
146
Humphrey, Theodore
251
Hungerford, Dayton
162
Hungerford, Ira
343
Hungerford, John
475
Hunt, Claude B
182
Hunt, Geston P
502
Hunt, S. L
505
Hurst, Alba
149
Hutchinson, Elmer
113
Hutchinson, Robert
113
Innis, Alexander
424
Innis, Perry T
33
Innis, Robert A
424
Innis, William W
33, 424
Inlow, Cyrus E
165
Inlow, Dr. John J
165
J
Jackman, Allen
105
Jackman, Dora
460
Jackman, John
202
Jackson, Edward V
374
Johnson, Charles
155
Johnson, Lafayette
500
Jones, Benjamin F
163
Jones, Ezekiel M
244
Jones, Harrie
13
Jones, Hubert R
465
Jones, Robert
226
Jones, Samuel D
132
Jones, William G
195
Junken, Alvah T
326
K
Katsaros, George
Katsaros, Michael
Keisling, George T
Keisling, Leo W
Kellam, Elmer
Kelso, Charles H
Kennedy, Robert
Kennedy, Dr. R. O
Kenner, Charles B
Kerrick, Rev. N'imrod
Kessler, Edward
Kessler, Frederick
Kincaid, Charles E
King, Ted C
King, William P
Kinsinger, Dr. Joseph B.
Kirkpatrick, Elijah A
Kirkpatrick, John E
Kiser, Corydon E
Kiser, Donald V
239
181
480
361
164
102
230
277
490
■189
Kaey, Jacob H
71
Medd, Thomas Edward
....... 232
Kney, Michael
. 142
Megee, John D
139
Kramer, Harry A
151
Mercer, James W
305
Krug, John F
296
Metcalf, Dr. Henry P
241
Kuhn, George M
377
Meyer, George H
372
Kuan, Walter H
373
Miles, Franklin D
430
Kuntz, George W
.... 89
Miller, Angus C
512
Kuntz, Peter
95
Miller, Dwight
300
Miller, Grant
355
L
174
Miller, Harry T
283
Lampton, Dr. W. T
Miller, Henry J
292
Lee, Thomas R
1S4
Miller, Jesse F
Miller. Leslie
86
Lee, William Rush
213
473
Lefforge, Jesse I
223
Miller, Melvin
467
Lefforge, Mrs. Luella M
223
Miller, Otis L
477
Lefforge, Philander
444
Miller, Pleasant A
142
Lefforge, Roscoe
470
Miner, Flovd H
46
Leisure, Jesse A
45
Mitchell, Mrs. Irma W
246
Lightfoot. Fred W
452
Mitchell. William C
246
Lindale, John W., Sr
428
Moore, Earl B
447
Lines, Leroy
454
Moore, Edd
461
Linville, Roscoe
451
Moore, Frank C
262
Logan, Edgar E
191
Moore, George B., Sr
53
Logan, Dr. Henry V
Ill
Moore, Glenn E
303
Logan, Jesse
131
Moore, Xoah O
96
Logan, John W
295
Moore, William
302
Logan, Jonas W
461
Moore, William T
172
Logan, Mrs. Sarah I
462
449
Moran, Mrs. Jane
265
Logan, Thomas Ora
Moran, Patrick
Morgan* Frank
265
Logan, Thomas ^V
101
499
44?.
Looney, J. Arthur
Morgan, Wallace G
31
Lord, Dr. J. Levi
285
235
340
Morris, Dr. C. E
450
Lord, William A
Morris, Douglas
131
Lower, Ora T
Morris, John B
436
Lower, Thomas W
47S
Mull. Cyrus
401
Mull Family, The
400
M
Mull, Jacob
401
Macy, Lloyd M
319
Mull, Omer P
173
Macy, Orlando C
56
Mull, Thomas K
402
Maffett, U. S
445
Mull. William A
Murphy. Charles
341
Manche, Maurice W
12.-,
Mansfield, Robert E
17
Murphy, George
157
Mansfield. Walter S
103
Murphy, Jesse
206
Mahin, Adolphus T
287
Myers. William
473
Mapes. John F
407
Martin. Loren
123
Mc
Martin. Benjamin Franklin...
514
McBride, Frank
199
Martin, Eli E
426
McCann Bros
447
Martin. Thomas J.
323
McCann, Israel
446
Martin, William B
224
McCarty, Mrs. John B
431
Martin, W. D
..... 230
McDaniel, Leon C
91
Martin, William R
280
McCorkle, Frank
73
Matlock, Mrs. Martha E
..... 159
McCorkle, John H
'".'.'.'... 80
Matlock, Noah
159
McCoy. Francis H
203
Matney. Edward
186
McCoy, Joseph G
27
Mauzy, Abram Gooding
416
McCoy, John
149
Mauzy, Charles A
416
McCoy, Thomas E
12
Mauzy, Chase P
333
McCrory, Mrs. Fannie H
346
Mauzy, Greeley P
169
McCrory. Perry
345
Mauzy, Henry Louis
... . 417
McCrory, William S
109
Mauzy, Hugh E
417
McFatridge, Harry F
60
Mauzy. James \V
325
McKee, John F
15
McKee, William S 199
MeMichael, Albert 431
McMichael, Albert N 225
McMillin, Harry A 488
McMillin, John T 57
McMillin, William H 57
N
Nash, Homer M 497
Neeb, George 379
Nelson, Mrs. Elizabeth A 157
Nelson, William H 156
Newhouse, Alva 212
Newhouse, Lewis J 353
Newhouse, Pleasant A 100
Newhouse, Samuel R 12
Newsom, Alva E 201
Newsom, Samuel L 313
Nickel, Peter 383
Nixon, Robert W 238
Norris, James W 415
Norris, W. A 217
O
Offutt, Frank 143
Offutt, O. M 135
O'Keefe, Daniel 453
Oldham, Charles R 249
Oneal, Sherman 426
Orme, Arnold 79
Orme, William M 459
Osborn, Berton T 450
Osborn, Lucien B 275
Osborn, Milton W 207
Owen, Benjamin 411
Owen, Benjamin L 354
Owen, Charles 411
P
Parson, Harmoney L 140
Parsons, Dr. Charles H 30
Patterson, Darius 228
Patterson, Normal V 202
Patton, C. 454
Patton, Walter E 286
Payne, Edwin 9
Payne, Earl H 9
Perkins, A. .1 110
Peters, Jesse W 434
Phillips, Robert E 396
Pierson, Omer 472
Pike. Joseph H 324
Poe, Jesse M 198
Poe, William B 198
Posey, Frederick W 481
Poston, Mrs. Mary E 13S
Poston, Sanford M 137
Posz, Conrad D 90
Power, Emory J 240
Power, John H 420
Power, Ray 476
Price, Elihu 82
Price, Nathan 1 242
Price, Noah E 60
Priest, Earl F 214
Prine, William H 439
R
Redenbaugh, Elbert M 348
Reed, Albert 386
Reed, John T 214
Rees, Justus 481
Rees, Oscar H 474
Reeve, Ben F 309
Reeve, Elder Benjamin F 309
Reeves, Al A 179
Renegar, Luther G 269
Retherford, Edward D 301
Retherford, Levi R 298
William F 227
W. Riley 271
Rider, George 359
Rich, Mrs. Hettie P 153
Rich, Joseph H 152
Richey, Adam A 366
Richey, Weston C 126
Ricketts, John 12S
Riggs, A. L 412
Rigsbee, Albert W 24
Rigsbee, Marshall B 127
Robinson, Albert M 35
Rotan, Ira 367
Ruby, Edgar V 219
Ruff, Earl W 506
Ruff, Russell 429
Ryman, Philip S 377
Ryon, S. L 311
Saxon, Mrs. Emma Kirkpatr
ick.. 362
.... 362
Scholl, Joseph H
389
Schrader, Henry W
311
Schrichte, Anthony H
146
Scott, Joseph E
339
Scull, Clarence
321
303
Sefton, Charles M
368
Sefton, Monet O
84
Sexton, Dr. Horatio G
25
Sexton, Dr. John Chase
25
Sexton, Dr. Marshall
26
Sexton, Dr. Marshall C
26
Sharp, Fred C
384
Shauck, Dr. Albert G
360
Shauck, John L
360
Shelton, J. A
193
Shropshire, Micajah S
106
Siler, John
349
Siler, Oliver M
229
Smelser, W. H
77
Smith, Ben L.
144
Smith, Mrs. Bessie J
158
Smith, Donald L.
144
Smith, George 486
Smith, James M 496
Smith, Oliver W 158
Smith. Ora V 30S
Smith, Walter E. 394
Smith, William P 184
Smullen, Dr. Charles L 464
Somerville, Ira A 221
Spencer, Charles V 270
Spilman, George N 220
Stager, Harry E 250
Stevens, Ben 14
Stewart, David S. 356
Stewart, M. L 98
Stewart, Mrs. Missouri R 356
Stiers, John K 501
Stiers, Joseph 509
Stiers, Wilbur 206
Stoten, John W 266
Sullivan, Thomas 7S
Sutton, Luther 261
Swain, Capt. Franklin F 192
T
Tarplee, Firman B 318
Tarplee, William Edwin 234
Tevis, Clarence L. 357
Thomas, Edgar 11
Thomas, Ernest B 432
Thomas, Grant 462
Thomas, Dr. Samuel C 432
Thrall, James T 382
Titsworth, Ernest R 503
Todd, Jacob D 178
Todd, Joseph W 322
Tompkins, C. H 104
Tompkins. Rush W 211
Trabue, Samuel L 233
Trowbridge, Charles M 255
Tweedy, Earl M 205
V
Vandament. Joseph S 457
Vandament, Dr. Walter T 313
VanDeventer, Emory 404
VanOsdol. Dr. Dawson D 117
Vansickle, W. R 268
Vernon, John H 422
Vickrey, Erban B 438
W
Waggener, Roy 4S
Wagoner, Argus D 319
Wagoner, Billy W 369
Wagoner, Franklin P 371
Wagoner, W. E 136
Walker. William L 306
Wallace. George M 475
Wallace, John C 475
Walther, Dr. J. E 397
Wamsley, Orin P 66
Ward, John R 92
Ward, Scott 417
Webb, Alva 471
Webster, David H 337
Webster, William B 106
Weeks, Mrs. Martha M 65
Weeks, Hon. Nathan 65
Weingarth, George 329
Weir, John R 289
Whisman, George 129
White, William P 341
Whiteman, Horace G 413
Whiteman, Jacob 413
Whiteman, William Seward 50
Whitinger, Frank 418
Whitinger, James 422
Wikoff, Garrett D 125
Wikoff, Harley 331
Wilk, Phil 171
Wilkison, Mrs. Ethel P 344
Wilkison, Willard 344
Wilkinson, Augustus William 282
Williams, Augustus N* 216
Williams, Floyd M 179
Williams, John 93
Williams, William 231
Wilson, Charles B 189
Wilson, Charles F 498
Wilson, Hiram B 405
Wilson. James F 259
Wilson, J. Frank 189
Wilson, William H 188
Winkler, Jesse 54
Winship. Albert Locke 392
Winship, Cliff N 395
Winship, Earl B 509
Winship, Mrs. Gertrude H 85
Winship. Joseph S 85
Winship, Lewis Erwin 393
Wissing, Jacob, Sr 108
Wissing. Jacob A., Jr 402
Wissing, John M. 120
Y
Young, George W 399
Z
Zorne, Rolla E 458
BIOGRAPHY
EDWIN PAYNE, who died at his home in Rushville in the
spring of 1907, was for many years recognized as one of the fore-
most figures in commercial circles in this part of Indiana. Enter-
ing upon his career as a banker in 1S70, Mr. Payne became identi-
fied with the banking business of the county just at the period
which began to mark the general commercial expansion of the state
and so continued for many years an influential factor in that devel-
opment. As the founder of the Peoples National Bank of Rushville
he left an enduring memorial in the community in which he had
resided since the days of his young manhood and his will long be a
continuing influence in the commercial life of the city in which he
elected to make his home. Born on November 1, 1840, in New
Trenton, Franklin county, Indiana, the son of William J. and Lou-
isa (Sloan) Payne, Edwin Payne located at Rushville When he
was twenty-six years of age, and immediately began to make his
presence felt in his new home. He was appointed a deputy under
E. H. M. Berry, county treasurer, not long after taking up his resi-
dence in Rushville and later served in the same capacity under Ben-
jamin F. Johnson, the county auditor. He then for a short time
was connected with the A. G. Mauzy department store, and in 1870
entered upon the banking career in which he eventually attained
such prominence. In that year (1870) Mr. Payne was elected
cashier of the Rushville National Bank. For twenty-seven years
thereafter he fulfilled his duties with that institution with accuracy
and ability. In 1897 he retired, but a life of inactivity was not to
his liking, and on October 10, 1900, he opened the doors of the
Peoples Bank, which he founded as a private bank. Almost from
the first day his bank prospered under his watchful eye, operating
under its original charter until September 1, 1904, when it was
nationalized under the name of the Peoples National Bank. How-
ever, long years of unremitting application to the arduous duties
entailed in his chosen field of endeavor caused Mr. Payne's health
to fail, and he presently retired from active participation in the
affairs of the institution, leaving his two sons to control the des-
tiny of the bank. On March 29, 1907, he bowed his head to the
inevitable and died mourned by all who knew him. On May 12,
1870, Edwin Payne was united in marriage to Mary Frances Mauzy,
daughter of Abram G. and Emily (Jameson) Mauzy, and to that
union were born two sons, Earl II. and Ralph, the former of whom
10 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
is president of the Peoples National Bank and the latter, president
of the Peoples Loan and Trust Company. These two institutions
have been enlarged in the scope of their activities by the efforts of
the sons of the founder, and in memory of their father they have
erected a modern and well-arranged building on the northwest cor-
ner of Main and Second streets at Rushville. Ralph Payne was
married on June 13; ]898, to Jennie Wallace, and they have four
children: William Wallace, Lawrence Wesley, Frances Evelyn and
Virginia. Fraternally, he is a member of all Masonic bodies save
the Thirty-third degree, and in politics holds to the principles of
the Republican party.
HENRY 0. GROSS, cashier of the Manilla Bank, and one of
the prominent men in Rush county's financial circles, is a native of
of the county, having been born at Manilla, January 22, 1878, the
son of John and Katherine (Ottman) Gross, both natives of Germany.
Realizing that there were greater opportunities for advancement in
America, John Gross came to this country in his early manhood prior
to his marriage, while his wife came with her father when she was
yet a girl. His first occupation in this country was in the capacity
of a wagon maker and cabinet worker, being an expert in all lines
of wood working. He later founded the general store in Manilla
which is now operated by his son Fred, although it still retains the
name of the founder. To him and his wife were born eight children,
seven of whom are now living: Katherine, Emma, Jacob. Caroline,
George W., Fred, Henry O.. and Charles F., who died at the age of
about twenty-four .years, and is buried at Shelbyville, this state.
Henry 0. Gross received his education in the common schools and
the high school at Manilla, which he attended for two years, and a
short term at the Nelson Business College some time later. After
leaving high school, he and his brother, Fred, took charge of their
father's store, the duty devolving upon them at their father's death,
and together they conducted the business for two yeai - s. At the
end of that time, Fred joined the army, and for the succeeding two
years, Henry managed the affairs of the establishment by himself.
On his brother's return from the army, he turned over the business
to him and went to Cincinnati, where he took his short business
course. Following this he went to Indianapolis and worked in the
wholesale grocery establishment of the Indianapolis Fancy Grocery
Company for a short time, and then, having been offered a position
with the Mauzy & Denning Company, moved to Rushville, where he
remained for four months. He was then, April 1. 1901, made cashier
of the Manilla Bank, the responsibilities of which office he has
since discharged with credit to himself and with profit to the bank.
On September 26, 1005, Mr. Gross was united in marriage with Miss
Clara Fox. the daughter of Jacob G. and Amy E. (Blackford) Fox.
both natives of Shelby county, Indiana, lie being a miller by trade
and now employed by she Mull Grain Company at Manilla. Mrs.
Gross was born in Shelby county, and was educated in the schools
there and at Morristown. hid. To Mr. and Airs. Fox three children
have been born, all of rhom ire now living, Blanche, Ralph, and
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 11
Clara. Mr. Gross is a popular member of the Masonic fraternity,
being affiliated with Manilla Lodge, No. 34, and in addition is well
known as a member of the Modern Woodmen. In his political
beliefs, he is counted among the supporters of the Democratic party,
but he has never sought political office at the hands of his fellow
citizens.
EDGAR THOMAS, president of the First National Bank of
Milroy, this county, and for years recognized as one of the leading
business men of that part of the county, has been a resident of Rush
county all his life and has ever had a hearty interest in the develop-
ment of the commercial and industrial activities of his home com-
munity. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on August
28, 1866, son of William and Ann E. (Wood) Thomas, both of whom
also were born in Rush county, members of old families here, and
who spent all their lives here, the latter dying in May, 1893, and the
former in June, 1899. William Thomas was born on a pioneer farm
in Anderson township, the son of Amos Thomas, who had come up
into Indiana with his father, a "local" Methodist minister, from
Bourbon county, Kentucky, about the year 1821, the year in which
Rush county was organized as a separate civic unit among the coun-
ties of the Hoosier state, the family settling on a farm of "Congress
land'' in Anderson township. On that pioneer farm Amos Thomas
grew to manhood and in time established his home in the same neigh-
borhood, and in his turn William Thomas also established his home
there after his marriage to Ann E. Wood, who was born in Orange
township and whose parents also were of pioneer stock. William
Thomas remained on the farm until about 1894, when he moved into
Milroy, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring,
as noted above, in 1899. He and his wife were the parents of four
children, those besides the subject of this sketch being Nettie, wife of
John H. Parker; Elgie, of Rushville, and Bertha, wife of Morton E.
Riehey. Reared on the home farm in Anderson township, Edgar
Thomas supplemented the schooling he received in the local school-*
by a course in a business college at Danville, this state, and was then
engaged, until he was twenty-six years of age, in carrying on the
operations of the home farm. On his father's removal to Milroy he
accompanied him and was there engaged in the buggy business and
later for a couple of years in the general hardware business, after
which he resumed farming; that is, overseeing farms in which he was
interested, and is still the owner of a fine little farm of forty acres
in Anderson township. From the time he was eighteen years of age
Mr. Thomas has made a specialty of acting as clerk at local public
farm sales and there is probably no one in the county who has thus
acted at more sales hereabout than he, this service giving him a wide
and popular acquaintance throughout the whole countryside. Mr.
Thomas was one of the active spirits in the organization of the First
National Bank of Milroy and was elected president of the same upon
its organization, a position he still retains, his service in that con-
nection having done much in the popularizing of the institution in
the early days of its establishment and in the stabilizing of it since.
12 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
The bank was opened for business on August 30, 1920, and has
become recognized as one of the sound financial institutions of the
county. In 1900 Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Zena Miller,
daughter of James M. and Melissa Miller, also of this county, and he
and his wife have a very pleasant home at Milroy and are ever helpful
in promoting the social activities of their home community. Mr.
Thomas is a Republican and has ever taken an interested part in
local political affairs, but has not been a seeker after office.
SAMUEL R. NEWHOUSE, of Jackson township, was born in
the township in which he now lives on December 19, 1857, the son of
Lewis J. and Mary (Hackelman) Newhouse, both of whom were born
in Rush county. Lewis Newhouse followed farming during his active
life, mostly in Jackson township, and at one time was the owner of
320 acres of land in this township. Of the nine children born to
himself and wife, but five are now living, namely : Pleasant A.,
Alfred M., Harvey M., Alice M. and Samuel R., the immediate
subject of this sketch. Samuel R. Newhouse received his education
in the Kining school in Jackson township and then for three years
worked on the home farm. Upon his marriage, in 1881, he bought
140 acres of land in Center township, on which he located and
farmed it for eight years. He then sold that place and moved
to the farm where he now lives and which comprises 195 acres.
He has also bought the old home farm of 219 acres, thus giving him
total real estate holdings of 414 acres. Of this, he cultivates all but
120 acres, which he rents. He carries on a general line of farming
operations, raising all the crops common to this locality, and als^
gives considerable attention to the fattening of hogs for market,
feeding about 200 head annually. He is thoroughly practical and
up-to-date in his methods and keeps his property in first-class repair,
its general appearance indicating the owner to be a man of industry
and good taste. On March 1, 1881, Mr. Newhouse was married to
Mary I. Kirkpatrick, a native of Rush county and the daughter of
James B. and Malinda (Newhouse) Kirkpatrick. Her father was a
lifelong farmer and a substantial and influential man in his com-
munity. He was the father of eight children, of which number five
are living, Amanda, John E., Samuel, William and Mary I. To Mr.
and Mrs. Newhouse have been born seven children, namely : Lewis B..
a farmer in Jackson township, who married Jennie Brooks; Oscar E.,
who is a farmer in Rushville township and who married Josie Brooks,
who died in February, 1920, leaving one child, Roscoe; Goldic M.
Carrie (deceased), Essie M., Clarence W. and Richard S. Mr. New-
house is a Republican in his political views and, fraternally, he is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Rushville.
THOMAS E. McCOY. of Posey township, was born in Rushville
township on March 12, 1871. and is the son of Thomas and Mary
(Moran) McCoy. These parents were both natives of Ireland, whence
they came with their respective families to the United States, the
father at the age of three years and the mother when thirteen years
of age. They settled in Niagara county. New York, where Thomas
and Mary were married, soon after which event they came to Indian.!
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 13
and located in Rush county, where they spent the remainder of
their lives. Their son, Thomas E., was educated in the schools of
Rushville No. 7, Posey No. 7, and Walker township, attending in
District No. 6, and after completing his studies he went to work on
the home farm, where he remained as his father's assistant until the
latter 's death. However, for several years prior to that time he
had rented land from his father, and now he inherited eighty acres
of land, comprising the land on which he now resides. His brother,
William H., also owns eighty acres adjoining and they operate these
tracts together. Mr. McCoy keeps the place in fine repair and has
made a number of substantial improvements thereon. He carries
on a general line of farming and also raises live stock, feeding and
marketing about one hundred head of hogs each year. Politically,
Mr. McCoy has been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party.
He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church at Rushville
and is also a member of Council No. 769, Knights of Columbus, at
Rushville.
HARRIB JONES. There is no county in the United States
that has won more fame for its fast harness horses than Rush, and
few men have been here engaged in horse dealing and training who
have won more far reaching renown than Harrie Jones, of Rushville.
He was born in that city, August 23, 1872, the son of W. A. and
Laura M. (Oglesby) Jones, both natives of Ohio, the former of Har-
rison, the latter of Sidney. When he was eighteen years of age, W.
A. Jones came to Rush county, walking from his home in Harrison,
and located at the county seat. His first employment was found in
a restaurant where he worked for a short time at a small wage, leav-
ing there to enter the boot and shoe business for a brief period. He
then engaged in the hotel business, and bought the Windsor hotel in
about 1870. This he conducted successfully for about three years,
then selling out and going to Cincinnati where he bought the Gait
House. After a little more than a year in that city, he returned to
Rushville, buying the Windsor hotel again. However, he sold out in
a short time to engage in the harness horse business. He then bought
back the hotel and in addition a farm adjoining the city of Rushville,
known as Riverside Park. Here he constructed a mile track and a
racing stable where he trained and bred many of the finest speed
horses in the country. For many years he gave an annual race
meeting on his track, but in 1902 he retired from active racing inter-
ests to devote his entire time to the management of his 242 acre farm.
Among the most notable of his horses were: "Florence M.," 2:22%,
which won forty-nine out of fifty-three races in Indiana, Illinois,
Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky; "Raven Boy," 2:15i/j, which held
several track records over the country, and "Harrie Jones," 2:18%.
William A. Jones was born in Dearborn county, Ohio, October 2, 1845,
the seventh of thirteen children born to Thomas H. and Emily
(Wilkins) Jones, who moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, settling near
Harrison, where the boy's youth was spent on the farm. On May 5,
1869, he married Laura M. Oglesby, who was born on September 1,
1850, daughter of Jacob H. and Mary (Fielding) Oglesby, and to
14 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
their union were born three children : Carrie, Harrie, and Freddie.
Harrie Jones received his education in the public schools of Rushville,
upon leaving which he engaged in the harness horse business with
his father with whom he was associated until 1902, when he engaged
in business for himself. He had one of the best equipped "plants"
to be anywhere found, including a barn 300 feet long, every stall
box 12x12, 210 acres of ground, good pasture for brood mares and
colts and other attractive features. During the fall, winter, and
spring he devoted his time to preparing horses and colts for the
coming season's campaign, as well as preparing them for sales. He-
sold several animals for from $1,000 to $8,500, and among the list
of horses he marked while racing and in his stable may be mentioned :
"Alcyfras," 2:03i/i, which held the world's record for mares on a
half-mile track; "George Gano," 2:02; "Fay Richmond," 2:033,4;
"Harry the Ghost," 2:04%; "John Ward," 2:05 1 / 4; and ninety-six
others in 2 :20 and better, too numerous to be here enumerated. Mr.
-Jones raced on the Grand Circuit and the Great Western Circuit, and
in 1907 had sixty-six horses in his care, and employed from twenty-
five to thirty men on his place. In 1918, he retired from the harness-
horse game to devote his attention to farming, in which he is at
present occupied, but in 1921 he became engaged in the horse business
again. In 1895 Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Mayme Mauzy,
a daughter of G. G. and Lydia (Wolf) Mauzy, and he and his wife
are popular members of Rushville society. Fraternally, Mr. Jones
holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and the Knights of Pythias, in the affairs of which he takes an
active interest. His political views incline him toward the Demo-
cratic party, which he supports.
BEN STEVENS, who was formerly one of the active and enter-
prising farmers of Noble township, is now practically retired from
active work and is enjoying the fruits of his former years of labor.
He is a member of one of the old pioneer families of this section and
has enjoyed an enviable standing in the community where he has
spent his entire life. Mr. Stevens was born in Noble township ou
January 24, 1862, and is a son of Mack and Phoebe (Sutton) Stevens,
both also natives of Rush county. Mack Stevens was the son of
Isaac Stevens, who came to Rush county in an early day, entered
land and remained here during the rest of his life. He received a
common school education and after his marriage he acquired a farm,
which he operated up to the time of his death, which occurred in
1865. To him and his wife were born three children, Clara, Jesse
and Ben. After the death of Mr. Stevens, his widow became the
wife of Levi Bartlett, to which union were born three children : Ida.
Rhoda, and John. Ben Stevens received his educational training at
the old Pinhook school house, and then turned his attention to farm
work, being employed by the day lip to the time of his mother's
death, at which time he inherited a part of the home place. He then
bought out the other heirs, giving him possession of thirty-two acres
of land, which he cultivated for about a year. He then sold the home
place and bought another farm of fifty acres, to which he devoted
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 15
his labors until 1904, when he bought the place which he now owns
and which comprises 108% acres of fine, fertile land. He put many
good improvements on this place and cultivated it successfully until
1910, when he retired from active work and rented the farm. Among
the improvements on the farm are two sets of farm buildings and in
other ways the place ranks as among the good farms of the township.
Ben Stevens was married to Laura C. Logan, the daughter of Thomas
and Sarah 0. (Le Forge) Logan. They have one child, Roscoe, who
married Alma Dearmond and has one child, Lloyd Wallace. Mr.
and Mrs. Stevens are active members of the Methodist Episcopal
church at New Salem, and both occupy official positions in that
organization, Mr. Stevens being a steward and trustee and Mrs.
Stevens being president of the Ladies' Aid Society. Politically, Mr.
Stevens gives his support to the Democratic party.
JOHN F. McKEE, cashier of the New Salem State Bank, is a
native son of Rush county, having been born in Noble township on
March 6, 1875. He is the scion of sterling old pioneer ancestry, his
paternal grandparents having been John F. and Hester Ann (Mor-
row) McKee, natives of Pennsylvania, but who emigrated, first to
Kentucky, whence, in 1832, they came to Indiana. Locating in Noble
township, this county, Mr. McKee bought forty acres of land, which
was densely covered with the primeval timber. Clearing three acres
of this land, he built a log cabin and then went ahead with the task
of creating a homestead, where he spent the greater part of his life.
To him and his wife were born six children, namely : Elizabeth.
Charles H., John F., Malissa J., Samuel Simpson and William. Of
these, Charles was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was
born in the Noble township home and there grew to manhood,
receiving his educational training in the common schools of that
neighborhood. He followed the vocation of farming and stock raising
during all his active life. As a dealer in live stock he was particu-
larly active, being at one time one of the heaviest stock buyers in
Rush county. At one time he owned 320 acres of land, all of which
was located in Noble township. He took an active part in all move-
ments for the upbuilding of the community and for nine years served
as trustee of his township. He married Catherine Simonson, a native
of Franklin county, Indiana, and to them were born ten children,
nine of whom are living, as follows: Ella, wife of L. Beaver; Carrie
B. and Elizabeth, who remain unmarried; Hester, wife of William
P. Sipe, of Orange, Ind. ; Martha L., wife of C. Moore; John F., the
immediate subject of this review; Margaret, wife of Albert May:
William S., who lives in Noble township, and Nelle G., wife of O. P.
Wamsley, proprietor of the Scanlan hotel at Rushville. John F.
McKee received his elementary education in the common schools of
Noble township and then attended the high school, at Orange, Ind.,
after which he took a course in a business college at Indianapolis,
lie then formed a partnership with his father and together they
bought ninety-five acres of land which they farmed until his brother,
William S., attained his majority, when the latter entered the part-
nership and they purchased 120 acres more. This they farmed
16 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
jointly until the father's death, when John F. and William S. divided
the land and the former began farming for himself on seventy acres
of land. He was successful in this work and eventually was enabled
to add to his land holdings until they amounted to 240 acres, all of
which was located in Noble township. Mr. McKee gives persona!
direction to the operation of this land, which he devotes to general
farming and stock raising, putting 100 acres to corn and 100
acres to small grain. He feeds about 700 head of hogs annually.
In August, 1917, Mr. McKee took an active part in the organization
of the New Salem State Bank and was elected cashier of that institu-
tion, a position which he is still filling with entire satisfaction to
the stockholders and patrons of the bank. Mr. McKee was married
to Georgia Gregg, a daughter of Walter S. and Sarah A. (Carter)
Gregg, and they are the parents of two children, Kathleen and John
F., Jr. Mr. McKee and family are members of the Little Flat Rock
Christian Church, of which he is a deacon. Politically, he gives his
support to the Republican party, while, fraternally, he is a member
of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the degrees of the
chapter and council, and the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr.
McKee is a man of kindly disposition and generous impulses and is
deservedly popular in his community. He is essentially a man of
affairs, being a leader in all public movements in his locality and
giving his support to every enterprise for the advancement of the
public welfare.
JOHN W. CALLAHAN, for many years an industrious farmer
in Walker township, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, August
22, 1856, a son of Edward and Percell Callahan, and died on his
farm in Walker township, December 17, 1900, his burial being in
East Hill cemetery. After his school days were over Mr. Callahan
left Kentucky and came to Indiana, locating in Rush county, where
he found work as a farm hand and made many friends through his
honest and pleasant manner. After his marriage in 1881 he began
farming on his own account. When his father-in-law died his wife
inherited 100 acres of land which he operated very successfully for
many years. A few years later he bought a tract of sixty-one acres
adjoining Mrs. Callahan's property, and this 161 acres comprises
the family estate. February 17, 1881, Mr. Callahan married Mada-
line Mull, born in Walker township. Rush county, daughter of Wil-
liam and Elizabeth (Jones) Mull. Five children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Callahan : Mazy A., Dossie M., Vernie E., William H. and
Daisy N. Mazy A. married Clem Gardner, a farmer in Walker town-
ship, and they have three children: Von, Ruth and Ruby. Dossie M.,
who is a farmer in Walker township, married Bertha Hiner and they
have three children, Hubert, Harold and Lowene. Hubert now at-
tending school at Homer. Vernie E. died at the age of thirty-four
years. He married Gertrude Ilolzyder and they had five children,
four living: Lowell. Norma J., Iris M. and Mauetta. William H.,
a farmer in Walker township, married Bertha Lower and they have
two children : Doletta and Estel. Daisy N. married Noah Webb, a
farmer in Rushville township, and they had two children, Mary and
JOHN K. GOWDY
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 17
Rita, the latter of whom died at the age of three years and six months.
Mr. Callahan had many friends and acquaintances at Homer, where
he belonged to the order of Odd Fellows and had passed the chairs
in the lodge. He was always interested in the welfare of his neigh-
borhood and the country and was a sturdy Republican in his political
life.
JOHN KENNEDY GOWDY, son of Adam McConnell and
Nancy (Oliver) Gowdy, was born at Arlington, in this county on
August 23, 1843. In 1849 the family moved from Rush to Jasper
county, Indiana, where John K. received his education in the public
schools. His father, who was a public speaker of ability, attained
prominence in politics and was elected a delegate to the second
state constitutional convention which met at Indianapolis in Octo-
ber, 1850, and a member of the legislature for the legislative dis-
trict then composed of Jasper, White and Pulaski counties. Re-
sponding to the nation's call when Civil war threatened the life of
the republic, John K. Gowdy enlisted in Company L, Fifth Indiana
Volunteer cavalry, at Lafayette, July 17, 1862, at the age of eight-
een. He served with his regiment in the pursuit and capture of
John Morgan, the notorious raider, and in Kentucky during the
spring and summer of 1863 ; with General Burnside in the East
Tennessee campaign during the fall and winter of 1863-64; with
General Sherman in the Georgia campaign until after the evacu-
ation of Atlanta, and then with General Thomas at Nashville, Tenn.
After three years and three months of service he was mustered out
with his company at Pulaski, Tenn., October 5, 1865. After the
close of the war he returned to Rush county. On January 24, 1867,
Mr. Gowdy was married to Eve E. Gordon, daughter of one of the
pioneers of Rush county. To this union were born two children,
Latta Theodore, who died in infancy, and Fanny Alice, who was
married to Robert E. Mansfield, American consul general to Chile,
on April 17, 1906. In 1870, Mr. Gowdy was elected sheriff of Rush
county, to which office he was re-elected two years later. In 1879,
he moved from the farm to Rushville. In 1882, he was elected to
the office of auditor of Rush county for a term of four years, at the
end of which time he was renominated by his party by acclamation,
and again elected, serving eight years as auditor. He also served
his party as chairman of the R\ish county Republican committee for
ten years, 1879 to 1889. In the capacity of chairman of the county
committee, and in the management of local political affairs, Mr.
Gowdy showed such genius for organization and displayed such
splendid executive ability that it brought him into prominence and
made him a potent factor in state politics. In 1890, Attorney Gen-
eral Louis T. Michener resigned as chairman of the Indiana Re-
publican state committee, and Mr. Gowdy was chosen to succeed
him. In 1892, when the state committee was re-organized he was
elected chairman. His ability as a leader enabled him to create and
maintain for many years one of the most efficient political organ-
izations ever effected in Indiana. In 1894, Mr. Gowdv was again
2
18 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
chosen chairman of the committee, and the success of the party in
Indiana in that campaign, when the entire Republican state ticket
and thirteen representatives in Congress were elected, the first
time in the history of the state that one party secured a full Con-
gressional delegation, added to the reputation that Mr. Gowdy had
already gained as an organizer. In 1896 when the Republican state
committee was reorganized Mr. Gowdy was chosen chairman for
the third time, and it was in the great campaign of that year, when
William McKinley was elected President, and the free coinage of
silver at the ratio of sixteen to one was made the paramount issue
by Mr. Bryan, that the executive ability, resourcefulness and splen-
did political judgment of Mr. Gowdy were demonstrated. The
party was confronted with a new and dangerous issue and dis-
turbed by internal dissension, but under his leadership achieved
one of the most notable political victories in the history of he
state. During that memorable campaign Mr. Gowdy made the ac-
quaintance and won the friendship of many men of national prom-
inence, including Major McKinley, the presidential candidate, and
Mark Ilanna, chairman of the Republican national committee. His
conduct of the contest in Indiana, which early took an advanced
position in favor of the gold standard, received the enthusiastic
support of the managers of the national campaign, and focused upon
the state the political attention of the entire country. It was dur-
ing that great contest that Mr. Gowdy 's friends bestowed upon him
the sobriquet of "Oom Jack," comparing him with Oom Paul
Kruger, the great, strong, fighting character of South Africa.
The term was one of affection and endearment used by Mr. Gowdy 's
friends and admirers. Soon after the inauguration of President
McKinley in March, 1897, Mr. Gowdy was appointed consul general
to Paris, where he achieved the honor and distinction of being one
of the most efficient and popular officials who ever represented
the United States Government at the French capital. Consul Gen-
eral Gowdy 's official residence in Paris covered a most interesting
period, and a series of historic events, including the Spanish-Amer-
ican war, the meeting in Paris, after the war, of the commission
which arranged the terms of peace between the United States and
Spain, and the Paris exposition in 1900. Mr. Gowdy was the recip-
ient of many honors and compliments from various societies and
organizations in Paris, and from the French government he re-
ceived the decoration of Officer of the Legion of Honor, being the
first American consular officer to have that distinction bestowed
upon him. He also received as a mark of esteem from the Amer-
ican Chamber of Commerce in Paris, a beautiful, hand-illumined
certificate of commendation and appreciation for honorable serv-
ices rendered that association personally and officially. Among
other special and distinguished acts was his assistance in locating
the body of John Paul Jones, the American naval hero, whose re-
mains were found in a Paris cemetery, disinterred and returned to
his native country under uaval escert, and buried at Annapolis
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 19
with naval honors. On July 3, 1900, Consul General Gowdy deliv-
ered the address presenting the statue of George Washington, at
Place d'lena, Paris, a gift of the American people to the French
government. It was also his pleasant duty, as consul general, to
certify the signature of the signers of the deed of transfer of the
Panama canal property by the French government to the United
States. After eight and a half years of official residence abroad
Mr. Gowdy resigned his position as consul general, and returned
with his family to his home in Rushville, to resume his business,
and to live among his neighbors and friends. His homecoming was
made a gala day by his old friends and neighbors, and many admir-
ing friends throughout the state, who gathered at Rushville in large
numbers to receive, and to extend a welcome to him and his fam-
ily, the reception being characterized by a warmth of greeting and
enthusiastic demonstration that testified to the affectionate regard
in which he was held by the people in his home and in his native
state. Mr. Gowdy represented the best type of American citizen-
ship. Born in Indiana in 1843, his early impressions, education
and training were received and character formed during that period
of the nation's history when patriotism was the dominant note, and
loyalty to the Government and its institutions characterized public
sentiment. The best estimate that can be obtained of a man's
character and personal worth is the concensus of opinion in the
community in which he lives; an estimate based upon an intimate
knowledge of his home life. Judged by this standard the memory
esteem and affections of the people of Rushville, and of Rush county
that evidenced a very high regard for him as a citizen, a neighbor
and a friend. Endowed with a strong, but genial personality, a
kindly disposition and a charitable nature, he impressed those with
whom he came in contact as a man of high ideals and compelling
purpose, a leader of men. Positiveness of character was one of
Mr. Gowdy 's chief characteristics. When once he made up his
mind to do a thing, decided upon a plan of action, he pursued it
with a determination that never hesitated until the object was
achieved, or every resource at his command exhausted. To this
fixity of purpose was largely due his success as an organizer. Men
believed in and co-operated with him, knowing that once he entered
upon a project and, believing he was right, that he would pursue
it industriously and determinedly to a conclusion. In 1866, Mr.
Gowdy joined the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he remained
a consistent and devout member. Although prevented by ill health
from attending services, or participating actively in the work for
many years, he never lost interest in the progress and welfare of
his chosen church, and his Christian faith continued always to be a
comfort and a consolation. He was a charter member of the Rush-
ville post of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Freemason and an
Odd Fellow. His charities, which were general and extensive,
were conducted so quietly and unostentatiously that few except
those who were beneficiaries of his bounty knew to what extent his
20 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
hand went out to the poor, the needy and distressed. Like his
daily life, his charities were inspired and directed by generous,
Christian impulses. Although exercising a wide influence for good,
personally, morally and socially in the community, and throughout
the state, all his private and public acts were characterized by ex-
treme modesty. He was essentially a home person, preferring al-
ways the quiet and comforts, the pleasure and intimate associations
of the home to the formalities of social life, or the discomforts, and
the promiscuous associations encountered in travel and in public
places. His love for children was reciprocated, as shown by the
affectionate regard in which he was held by all the little folk in
the neighborhood of his home. In the summer time crowds of
youths of both sexes were wont to gather under the big white tent
under the trees in the rear of his home, where he spent most of the
days during the hot weather, reading and conversing with the vis-
iting children, and exchanging greetings with passing friends and
neighbors. "While observing the actions of the children, and lis-
tening to their conversation and candid comments on the actions of
each other, he frequently remarked: "The hope of the American
nation is in these boys and girls, and if properly educated and
trained in the ethics of government, the future of the republic is
secure." Mr. Gowdy endeavored to inspire the children who came
within the sphere of his influence with high ideals, pure motives
and patriotic sentiments. And many Indiana men of the younger
generation testify to the inspiration and encouragement they re-
ceived through his kindly, good advice, and from his patriotic
example. Mr. Gowdy died at his home in Rushville on June
25, 1918.
J. W. GREEN, M. D., the first in three generations of Rush county
physicians and one of the early medical practitioners in the county,
was born here on February 5, 1S25, the son of Lot and Anna
(Cooper) Green, pioneers. They came to Rush county in 1824, lo-
cated in Posey township, and here J. W. Green grew to manhood.
He had early become interested in the medical science, and by dili-
gent application to such works on anatomy and other branches as he
could obtain, trained himself to minister to the ills of his fellow
beings. He was generous to a fault, and during the Civil war never
accepted any remuneration for services rendered to the families of
soldiers, his kindness and sympathetic nature winning him a legion
of warm friends. On May 18, 1846, he married Mary J. Gowdy, of
Arlington, and they were the parents of twelve children : Lot, Nancy,
Ann, Preston S., Adam W., Mary L., John, Thomas, William Lewis,
Nellie R., James and Charles. Dr. Lot Green was born in Arlington,
where his father, Dr. J. W. Green, practiced medicine, July 29, 1847,
and after completing his preliminary schooling entered Butler Uni-
versity at Irvington, Ind., and was graduated from the medical de-
partment of that institution in 1881. He came to be a very suc-
cessful member of the profession, was an ardent worker in various
medical associations, and for several years was county health officer.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 21
In addition to his professional interests lie was the owner of a fine
farm in Jackson township. In 1872, he married Cordelia J. Barnard,
a daughter of Brasilia G. and Rachel (Roberts) Barnard, residents
of Posev township, this county, and to them were born five sons:
Lucien L., Hallie W., Prank H., Charles S., and Derby B. Dr.
Frank H. Green was born on July 20, 1S76, at Arlington, the third
son of Dr. Lot Green, and after attending the common schools of
Jackson township and the high schools at Gings Station and Rush-
wile he was matricidated at Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis,
from which institution he received his M. D. degree on March 31.
1897. Return to Rushville, he began to practice with his father,
with whom he continued until February 21, 1905, when he began to
practice for himself. He took post-graduate work for three months
in 1901 at the New York Post-Graduate Hospital and again in 1917.
For fifteen years he ably assisted Dr. John C. Sexton, having been
a member of the Sexton Hospital staff for that length of time. On
October 3, 1918, he entered the military service of the country as a
-captain in the medical corps, was stationed first at Ft. Oglethorp,
Ga., for three months, and then at Camp Sheridan at Montgomery,
Ala., where he was discharged in January, 1919. While at Ft.
Oglethorp Captain Green completed a three-months course in X-ray,
further perfecting himself for civilian practice. On returning to
Rushville, he opened a private hospital, making it possible for him
to enlarge the scope of his work as well as enabling him to discharge
more efficiently the duties entailed by his large clientele. On No-
vember 23, 1898, Doctor Green was married to Kate R. Kiplinger, a
daughter of Daniel F. and Maude H. Kiplinger. They have had one
child, a son born in 1900, who died in infancy. Although almost his
entire time is occupied by his professional duties, Doctor Green gives
some attention to the 146-acre farm in Rushville township, which
he and his brother Derby own. He is well known in fraternal bodies
in Rushville, being a member of the Masonic order, Knights of
Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Improved
Older of Red Men. Politically he is a Republican, and has never
failed with his support in any worthy cause either in the realm of
politics or in civic welfare. Doctor Charles S. Green, the fourth son
of Doctor Lot Green and one of the county's leading dental surgeons,
was born in the town of Occident, Jackson township, this county,
December 2, 1883. True to a family tradition, he decided on a
career of professional practice, though in a slightly different branch
of the medical science than that followed by his forebears, and after
completing the course of study prescribed in the common schools of
Jackson township and the high school at Rushville, he entered Indiana
Dental College, from which he received the degree of D. D. S. in 190(3.
He returned to Rushville to enter upon the practice of his profession,
and has won many supporters by the excellent character of the work
he does, as his clientele all know that there is no improvement, inven-
tion, or scientific discovery made in dentistry of which Doctor Green
does not take instant advantage. He married Elma H. Retherford,
a daughter of Robert and Lila Retherford, and they are the parents
22 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
of two children: Frank H., Jr., and Justine. He is a member of
the Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and the Knights of Pythias, in all of which he enjoys unusual popu-
larity. The principles of the Republican party coincide most nearly
with his political views, and it is there that his support is given.
WILLIAM M. BOSLEY, proprietor of the grain elevator at
Milroy and who also is engaged in the coal and seed business at that
place, a progressive and well known business man of this county,
was born at Milroy and has lived there all his life. For ten years
he was a member of Rush county's excellent teaching staff and then
took up work at the elevator, presently buying the same and for
nearly twenty years past has been proprietor of the plant, the busi-
ness of which during that time he has greatly enlarged. Mr. Bosley
was born on July 17, 1873, son of Samuel H. and Nora (Smith)
Bosley, both of whom spent their last days here, the latter dying in
1911 and the former in 1918. Samuel H. Bosley was born in Ander-
son township, son of Elijah Bosley, a Kentuckian, who had come to
this county and settled in the Milroy neighborhood in the early
days. Some time after coming here Elijah Bosley moved up into
Boone county but did not remain long there, presently returning to
this county and locating at Williamstown, where for many years ho
was engaged in the general merchandise business. Samuel H. Bosley
was reared in Anderson township, received his schooling there and
as a young man became engaged as a carpenter and wagon maker,
which trade he followed all his active life. When the Civil war
broke out he enlisted his services in behalf of the Union and went,
to the front as a member of K Company, Fifty-fourth regiment.
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and upon the expiration of that term
of enlistment re-enlisted and returned to the front as a member of E
Company, One Hundred and Twenty-third regiment, Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantry, serving about three years, and was thus with ' ' Pap ' '
Thomas on that general's memorable campaign South and took part
in the battle of Atlanta. Upon the completion of his military service
Samuel H. Bosley returned to his home in this county, resumed
his activities as a builder at Milroy and here spent the remainder of
his life, a well known and useful citizen. He and his wife were th-
parents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the
second in order of birth, the others being as follows: Frances, wife
of W. 0. Fishback; George C, of Richmond; Maude, wife of L. E.
Berner, and Nell, wife of J. L. Parsons. William M. Bosley was
reared at Milroy and received his schooling in the excellent schools
of that place. He prepared himself for teaching and for ten years
was occupied during the winters as a teacher in the schools of this
county. In the meantime during the summers he had been more or
less engaged about the elevator at Milroy and in 1903 bought the
elevator, which he ever since has been operating and which he has
enlarged in every way. The Milroy elevator has a capacity of 15,000
bushels and is the center of the grain trade of a considerable area
about Milroy. Mr. Bosley also does quite an extensive business in
coal and seeds and has for years been recognized as one of the leading
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 23
business men of that part of Rush county. In 1899 William M.
Bosley was united in marriage to Laura Bowling, daughter of Hiram
and Alzina Bowling, and to this union two children have been born,
William, who died in 1914, at the age of six years, and Catherine,
born in December 2, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Bosley are members of the
Christian church and take an active interest in church work, Mr.
Bosley having been an office bearer in the church since 1896 and an
elder from 1898 to January, 1921. In his political views Mr. Bosley
is a life-long Republican, and takes a proper part in local civic
affairs. He is a York-Rite Mason, a member of the Milroy blue lodge,
and of the commandery, Knights Templar, at Rushville, and is also
a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
affiliated with Murat Temple, Indianapolis. He also is a member of
the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Milroy and in the affairs
of these several orders takes a warm fraternal interest.
JESSE E. CREED, hardware merchant at Manilla, Ind., was
born in Shelby county, Indiana, September 19, 1866, one of a family
of »ine children born to Smith and Laura (Henderson) Creed. The
father was born in Shelby county and the mother in Rush county.
Six of their children are living : Flora B., Lianna, Jesse E., John N.,
Theodore B. and Herman. Jesse E. Creed was reared on his father's
farm of sixty acres in Shelby county and obtained a public school
education in Liberty township. Instead of becoming a farmer like
his father, he learned the blacksmith trade under his brother, the
late William H. Creed, and followed the same for twenty-three years.
About 1906 he embarked in the hardware business at Manilla, at his
present location, and has built up a very satisfactory trade, handling
farm implements as well as a full line of dependable hardware. On
June 16, 1891, Mr. Creed married Martha M. Shook, who was born
at Manilla, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Bell) Shook, who had a
family of seven children, the following surviving : Robert M., Charles
C, Amanda, Ida and Martha. Mr. Shook followed the shoemaking
trade at Manilla. Mr. and Mrs. Creed had one child, who died in
infancy. They are members of the Christian church at Manilla. In
polities Mr. Creed is a Democrat and while residing in Walker town-
ship, he served four years in the office of assessor. He is a past
noble grand of Homer Lodge, No. 471, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
JESSE G. GRAY, a well known farmer of Jackson township,
residing on rural mail route No. 8, out of Rushville, is a native son
of Rush county, having been born in Jackson township on November
6, 1876. His parents, James and Polly A. (Cross) Gray, were also
natives of this county and here the father followed farming through-
out his active life, being the owner of 141 acres of land in Jackson
township. To him and his wife were born three children, all of whom
are living, namely : Frances C, Emma J. and Jesse G. Jesse G.
Gray attended the Downey school, district No. 4, and then turned his
attention to the cultivation of the home farm, remaining with his
father until about thirteen years after his marriage. He then moved
onto the place where he now lives, comprising eighty acres, which he
24 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
operates for his mother. He carries on general farming operations,
raising all the crops common to this locality and also giving some
attention to the raising of hogs, feeding and marketing about one
hundred and fifty head a year. Mr. Gray was married on April 30,
1899, to Lola A. Havens, a native of Posey township and the daughter
of John and Adonia (Able) Havens. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have a son,
Wilbur, born on October 39, 1900, who attended the Osborn school,
in his home township. Politically, Mr. Gray is a staunch advocate
of the Democratic party and takes a deep interest in public affairs,
especially as pertaining to his county and township. Fraternally,
he is a member of Ivy Lodge, No. 27, Knights of Pythias, at Rushville.
Personally, he is genial and companionable and his friends are in
number as his acquaintances. On October 19, 1919, his nineteenth
birthday, Wilbur Gray enlisted in the marine corps and served for
five months. In the spring of 1921 he became a Freemason, taking
the degrees in Phoenix lodge at Rushville.
CHASE G. CROSS, one of the successful young farmers of Jack-
son township whose capable management of his own business inter-
ests and his sound judgment have brought him prosperity, was born
in that township on September 18, 1892, the son of John F. and
Olive (Powell) Cross, who are mentioned specifically elsewhere in
this work in the sketch of John F. Cross. The subject was educated
in the schools of Rushville and immediately after quitting his studies
he began working with his father, for whom he worked until his
marriage. He then engaged in farming on his own account, renting
two hundred and forty acres of land from his father and he has
continued successfully to follow the vocation of farming, meeting with
pronounced success. Besides the cultivation of the soil, Mr. Cross
gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, raising about
400 hogs and a carload of cattle each year. He is« up-to-date in his
ideas and has demonstrated his efficiency and capability in no uncer-
tain manner. On October 25, 1911, Mr. Cross was married to Jennie
M. Osborn, who was born in Shelby county, Indiana, but who was
reared and educated in Rushville township, this county, graduating
from the Rushville high school in 1908. She is the daughter of Lucian
B. and Harvina (Gruell) Osborn. To Mr. and Mi's. Cross have been
born three children, Olive, Mary Ellen and Annabelle. The
first named is now attending school at Henderson. Politically, Mr.
Cross gives his support to the Democratic party. Genial and com-
panionable in disposition and courteous in manner, Mr. Cross enjoys
a marked degree of popularity among all with whom he associates.
ALBERT W. RIGSBEE, a leading citizen and representative
agriculturist of Posey township, has spent practically his entire life
in that locality. His has been an active and useful life and he is
thoroughly in sympathy with any movement looking toward the ad-
vancement of the best interests of his community. Mr. Rigsbee was
born in Posey township on September 23, 1882, and is a son of
Alveron and Clara E. (Swain) Rigsbee, both of whom also are
natives of Posey township, Mr. Rigsbee having here followed agri-
cultural pursuits during all of his active years. Of the two children
Dr. John C Sexton
Dr Cullen Sexton
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 25
born to him and his wife, the subject of this review is the only sur-
vivor. Albert W. Rigsbee received his educational training in the
common and high schools of Posey township and after completing
his studies he turned his attention to the farm where he now lives
and which is owned by his mother, with whom he lives. His father
died when the subject was but two years of age. The home farm
comprises eighty acres and in addition to this Mrs. Rigsbee owns
thirty-two and one-half acres in Posey township and Mr. Rigsbee
twenty acres in the same township and sixty acres adjoining just
across the line in Hanover township, Shelby county, which he rents,
confining his personal efforts to his mother's land. He carries on
general farming and also raises some live stock. He has put exten-
sive repairs on the place and has erected some new buildings, placed
new fencing and done a good deal of tiling, with the result that this
farm now compares favorably with the best in the community. Mr.
Rigsbee is a Republican in politics and stands high in the esteem of,
all who know him. He and his mother are charter members of the'
Indiana Society of Mayflower Descendants, attaining their member-
ship by right of descent from John Howland, who came over in the
"Mayflower" in 1620.
JOHN CHASE SEXTON, M. D. The outstanding name in
the medical profession of Rush county is that of Sexton, four of the
name having been prominent practitioners whose services have ex-
tended over a period covering nearly one hundred years. Dr.
Horatio Gates Sexton, the grandfather of Dr. John C. Sexton, was
among the earliest pioneers of the county. He was born in Wil-
braham, Mass., January 21, 1796, a son of David Sexton of that
city, and when a young man decided that there were greater op-
portunities for advancement in the western states of Ohio or Indi-
ana than in the older settled parts of the country. Accordingly,
he made his way toward the West, and while engaged in teaching
at Harrison, Ohio, began the study of medicine under a Dr. Cruik-
shank. He had a natural talent, as a doctor, and in about 1820 was
far enough advanced in his studies to warrant his entering the
ranks of the profession for himself, which he did, locating at
Springboro, "Warren county, Ohio. In 1822, he came to Indiana
and located at Rushville, which at that time was nothing but a
collection of modest cabins in the wilderness. His ability was soon
recognized, and the confidence of the people resulted in his winning
a fortune second to none in the county. He was one of the charter
members of the Rush County Medical Society (1846), and took a
keen interest in the welfare of that organization. He was also one
of the founders of the Presbyterian church in Rushville, and re-
mained one of its most ardent workers until the time of his death,
June 13, 1865. He had married, in 1822, Hannah Pugh, of Spring-
boro, Ohio, and to this union were born twelve children, of whom
Marshall and Leonidas were two. The latter of these two sons
came in later years to be one of the most prominent men of the
state of Indiana — lieutenant governor of the state and represents-
26 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
tive in the forty-fifth Congress of the United States. Following
the death of the mother of these children Doctor Sexton married
Lucretia Cramer, and to that union was born one child, a son,
Cramer Sexton, who is still living, now a resident of Tennessee.
Dr. Marshall Sexton was horn at Rushville, January 29, 1823, and
after receiving his preliminary education in the schools there
spent two years at Hanover College. He then began to study
medicine with his father, and in the year 1842, was matriculated
at Ohio Medical College from which he received the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in 1844. For ten years thereafter he practiced at
Rushville with his father, continuing alone until the outbreak of
the Civil war, in which he served as surgeon of the Fifty-second
regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, until the spring of 1863, ill
health then making it imperative that he resign his commission.
He returned to civilian life at Rushville, where he remained until
the long years of his successful practice were terminated by his
death, January 9, 1892. He had been married in Wilmington,
Ohio, in May, 1844, to Miss E. S. Brooks. They became the parents
of five children, Horatio G. ; Louise, afterward Mrs. George Ha-
vens; Mrs. Ruby H. Frazer, of Xenia, Ohio; Sally M., widow of
Dr. Charles II. Parsons, of Rushville, and John Chase Dr. John
Chase Sexton was born on January 21, 1859, at Rushville, and his
early career was almost identical with that of his father. After
being graduated from the Rushville high school in 1876, he entered
Hanover College, and after nearly three years at that institution
commenced the study of his profession under his father. In 1880
he went to Cincinnati to attend the Ohio Medical College, from
which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of Doctor of Med-
icine. He took up active practice in partnership with his father,
but wishing to have further training along medical lines he later
took post-graduate work at Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago.
He was then equipped to take a commanding position in the pro-
fession, and he quickly became recognized as one of the ablest
practitioners in the state. He is looked upon as an authority in
gastro-intestinal surgery and was made professor of that chair at
the Indiana University Medical College. In 1902 Doctor Sexton
instituted the only hospital within the boundaries of Rush county,
and at this building, which is located on Sixth street between Main
and Perkins, he carries on his practice. On September 27, 1882,
Doctor Sexton was married to Hannah Cullen, the only daughter
of Judge William A. Cullen, who was for years one of the leaders
in Rush county legal and judicial activities. To them have been
born two children: Frances E. and Dr. Marshall Cullen Sexton,
the latter of whom passed the state medical examination in 1920
with a high grade, after completing his medical course at Miami
Medical College, and is now associated with his father iu practice.
Dr. John C. Sexton has always been active in the work of the med-
ical associations and is an ex-Fellow of the American Association
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a member of the American
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 27
Medical Association, a member of and ex-president of the Indiana
Sate Medical Society, and a member of the Rush County Medical
Society and the Union District Medical Society. The series of por-
traits accompanying this review portray the four generations of
the Sexton family who have maintained a continuing practice in
Rushville, with the dates of the respective service of each of the
doctors, beginning with Dr. Horatio G. Sexton, whose practice con-
tinued from 1822 to 1865; Dr. Marshall Sexton, 1844-1892; Dr.
John C. Sexton, continuing since 1882, and Dr. Cullen Sexton, 1920.
JOSEPH G-. McCOY, a successful farmer of Posey township,
was born in Rushville township, this county, on April 26, 1866, and
is the son of Thomas and Mary (Moran) McCoy. Both of these
parents were born in Ireland, but come to this country, he when
three years of age and she at the age of thirteen years. Their
families located in Niagara county, New York, where they were
reared and married. Immediately after the latter event they came
to Indiana, and engaged in farming in Rush county. He met with
splendid success and at the time of his death was the owner of 465
acres of land. This worthy couple became the parents of eight
children, all of whom are living, namely: John, Frank, Joseph G.,
Rose, Thomas, Mary, William and Elizabeth. Joseph G. McCoy
received his educational training in the public schools of Walker
township and Rushville. He early turned his attention to farming
and remained under the parental roof until his marriage. He then
went to work on his own account and rented a farm from his father,
which he continued to operate as rented land for thirteen years, or
until his father's death, when he inherited the land and it is still his
home. He carries on a general line of farming and also handles some
live stock, raising about eighty head of hogs annually. On October
24, 1899, Mr. McCoy was married to Elizabeth Schattner, who was
born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Mary Schattner,
both of whom were born in Germany, coming to the United States in
their childhood. He became a cabinet maker by trade. To Mr. and
Mrs. McCoy have been born six children: Thomas, John, George,
Joseph, Edith and Stella, all of whom are living. Politically, Mr.
McCoy is an ardent supporter of the Democratic ticket. Religiously,
he is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church at Rushville.
Mr. McCoy is a member of Council, No. 769, Knights of Columbus,
at Rushville, to which his sons, Thomas and John, also belong, the
former holding the office of outer guard.
ROBERT SIMPSON DAVIS, a successful farmer of Rush
county who conducts his agricultural operations in Richland town-
ship from his home in Rushville, was born in Anderson township, this
county, on August 14, 1859, the son of Samuel H. and Mary E.
(Henry) Davis, both natives of Maysville, Fleming county, Kentucky.
Samuel H. Davis was born on June 3, 1831, the son of Robert and
Elizabeth (Henry) Davis, both natives of Fleming county, Kentucky.
Robert Davis, familiarly known as "Uncle Bobby," became one of
the most widely known men in Rush county, having come here in
an early day and acquired 120 acres of land. He left Kentucky when
28 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
his son Samuel was six years of age, located in Richland township, and
here the boy grew to manhood. He received his education in the
primitive schools of the times aud then took up farming. When he
engaged in business for himself it was on a farm of 240 acres in
Anderson township that his wife had inherited. "When he moved onto
the place it was almost a virgin forest, but he cleared the land, living
the while in a log cabin, and as the years passed brought it out of
its wild state into a well-improved farm. He increased his holdings
to 580 acres, all lying in Anderson and Richland township, and on
his farms he did a general farming and stock raising business. He
was oue of the pioneers of the sheep industry in this county, entering
extensively into this department of stock raising, and having as high
as 1,200 head on hand at a time. He also would feed out between
seventy-five and 100 head of hogs, usually ran a car load of cattle a
year, and in addition dealt largely in fine horses. His thrift and
industry were well rewarded, but he did not allow his prosperity to
blind him to the needs of others. He gave largely to the poor, and
was one of the best beloved and most highly respected men of the
entire community. To him and his wife were born six children-
Henry, who is living at Milroy, this county; Robert Simpson, Eliza-
beth, Mrs. Ed Spradling, of Rushville, John, Mae, Mrs. John W.
Anderson, and Charles, living at Milroy. Robert Simpson Davis at-
tended No. 4 school house in Richland township, and also the old
Richland Academy, a far-famed institution of learning of the time,
after leaving which he took up farming with his father. He then
for a time engaged in business for himself as a renter, and then
was able to buy a farm of 116 acres in Richland township. In 1896,
he went into the livery business in Rushville, and for nineteen years
continued to be successfully engaged in that capacity. He was the
owner of a fine string of from ten to fifty horses, but when it
became evident to him that the automobile was to supersede the
horse he sold out and went into the meat business, conducting an
excellent market for some time. This he kept but also returned to
his first calling, farming, buying a farm of eighty acres in Richland
township, and the management of this together with the cares of his
meat business keep him busily employed. He was united in matri-
mony to Ida Margaret, the daughter of Freeman and Lucinda Ellston.
Mr. Davis has always been counted among the strong supporters of
the Republican party, and while he has never sought political prefer-
ment for himself, he takes a keen interest in all local and national
affairs. In his fraternal connections he is a member of the Knights
of Pythias. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Christian church.
DORA M. HILLIGOSS, a well known farmer of Rushville
township, living on rural mail route No. 4 out of Rushville, was
born in that township on August 22, 1863, son of Ira C. and Elizabeth
(English) Hilligoss, both of whom were born, reared and educated
in that same township. The father followed farming all his life in
that locality and became the owner of 240 acres of land in Rushville
and Walker townships. To him and his wife were born two children,
the subject of this sketch and Joanna, who is deceased. Dora M.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 29
Ililligoss received his education in the Webb school, district No. 10,
Rushville township, and thereafter he applied himself to work on
the home farm up to the time of his marriage. He then engaged
in farming on his own account on a farm of eighty acres which he
had inherited from his father some time prior to his marriage. He
also rented more land from his father-in-law. During the subsequent
years he has been successful in his labors and is now, with his wife,
the owner of 340 acres of land in Rush county. He and his son
operate 206 acres of this land, the balance being rented out. Mr.
Hilligoss carries on general farming operations and also gives some
attention to the raising of live stock. His farm is well improved and
is rated as one of the best farms in Rush county. On January 10,
1884, Mr. Hilligoss was married to Emma Ramsey, who was born in
Anderson township, this county, the daughter of Eugene and Ann M.
(Tyler) Ramsey, the former a native of Cumberland Gap, Va., and
the latter of Anderson township, this county. Mr. Ramsey came to
Rush county in an early day and here spent the remainder of his
days, being engaged in farming. He owned 160 acres of land in An-
derson township. To him and wife were born two children, Emma
(wife of the subject) and one who died in infancy. To Mr. and
Mrs. Hilligoss have been born three children, Leona May, born August
13, 1885 ; Lavon Estel, December 11, 1886, who died on June 2, 1908,
and Elsa Mivard, born on January 31, 1893. Leona May Hilligoss
married Casper Johnson, son of Lafayette Johnson and a farmer of
this county, and has three children, Viola Lavon, Chlorine Bernice
and Dora Lafayette. Lavon Estel Hilligoss married Bert Osborn,
son of L. B. Osborn, also a farmer of this county. To this union one
child was born, a son, Lowell Marshall. Mrs. Osborn was a noted
horsewoman and drove at many of the horse shows given in this
section of Indiana. Elsa Mivard Ililligoss married Nellie Logan,
daughter of Ora Logan, and is farming on the Hilligoss home place.
He and his wife have two children, Lavon Estel and Harold Eugene.
Mr. and Mrs. Ililligoss are earnest members of the Main Street
Christian Church in Rushville. Mr. Ililligoss is a staunch supporter
of the Democratic party, while, fraternally, he is a member of Ivy
Lodge No. 27, Knights of Pythias, at Rushville, and Lodge No. 1307,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mrs. Hilligoss is a mem-
ber of and holds official position in the Pythian Sisters. Since 1908
the Hilligoss family has been holding an annual reunion, the organ-
ization having been perfected by Mrs. Hilligoss and the late Levi
Hilligoss, of Foley, Minn. Mrs. Dora M. Hilligoss is secretary of the
association, and has been for ten years. In 1913 Levi Ililligoss pub-
lished a history of the Hilligoss family, a profusely illustrated book
of more than 200 pages.
THOMAS HEATON, for nearly three-quarters of a century an
honored resident of Rush county, and for the greater part of this
time a successful agriculturist of Noble township, is widely and favor-
ably known to the people of this community. He was born in Noble
township, December 27, 1848, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Arm-
strong) Heaton, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter
30 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
of Rush county. Joseph Ileaton was three years old when he was
brought from the Keystone stale by his parents, John Ileaton and
wife, who settled in Rush county and entered land in Noble town-
ship, on which they spent the balance of their honorable and well-
ordered lives. Joseph Heaton grew to manhood in this community,
where he followed in his father's footsteps and adopted farming as
his life work, a vocation which he followed throughout his career,
and in which he attained marked success, accumulating 305 acres. He
and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom three are
living: John, Thomas and Sanford. Thomas Heaton received his
education in the public schools of Noble township, after leaving which
he associated himself with his father in the cultivation of the home
place, and remained with the elder man until his marriage. He then
struck out for himself, and for the next thirty years or more was occu-
pied in farming as a renter. In 1900 he purchased the property on
which he now resides, a tract of eighty acres, on which he carries
on general farming and feeds out about fifty hogs annually. He is
practical and progressive in his aims and methods, and is accounted
one of the well-informed men of his locality, not alone upon the
subject of farming, but along other lines. In politics Mr. Heaton
is a Democrat, but has not sought political preferment or public
office. He married Mary, daughter of William Willis, and they
have two children: Thornton, who married Maud Benedict, and
Myrtle, who married Ellis Culbertson and has two children, Helen
and Bethel.
CHARLES H. PARSONS, M. D., who died at his home in Rush-
ville in the spring of 1921, was one of the oldest and best known
physicians and surgeons in this section of Indiana, a member of one
of the old families of Rush county, for many years a recognized leader
in the social and civic life of his community, a man whose good
works and useful achievements had endeared him in the hearts of
his fellowmen, and at his passing left a memory which will long
endure in the community in which his life of faithful endeavor had
been passed. It thus seems fitting that there should here be carried
some brief memorial of this useful life in this volume commemorative
of a centenary of civic organization in Rush county. Doctor Parson*
tvas a native son of Rush county and had ever held the interests of
his home county as the uppermost motive of his activities. He was
born on the old Parsons homestead place in Rushville township, a
short distance northeast of the city of Rushville, January 28, 1855,
a son of Mathias and Mary (Dill) Parsons, both of whom were mem-
bers of pioneer families in this county and whose last days were
spent here. The Doctor's early schooling was received at Rushville
and following his graduation from the high school he entered the
old Northwestern Christian University (now Butler College) at
Indianapolis, from whence, after a course in the "humanities," he
went to Cincinnati and entered the Ohio Medical College, where he
spent one year. In 1876 he went to New York and there entered the
Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which institution he was
graduated in March, 1878, with the degree of doctor of medicine and
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 31
surgery. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of the noble pro-
fession to which he had devoted his life, Doctor Parsons returned to
Rushville and entered upon a professional career which was marked
with much success, continuing actively engaged in practice until a
few years prior to his death, his later years being marked by a
retirement from his professional duties, save such as he felt in duty
bound to continue as "the old family physician," and in these later
years he found much relaxation in looking after the affairs of the
Parsons farm northeast of the city. Doctor Parsons was a busy man
and was not content to be idle; the "leisure" of his practice being
occupied much of the time in attention to public affairs and had
served variously in positions of public trust and responsibility. He
was an ardent Democrat, for years regarded as one of the leaders of
that party in this county, and for four years served as a member of
the Rushville city council, his term of service in that connection
expiring in December, 1913. It is recalled in this connection that the
Doctor was very sincere in his efforts to perform a real public service
and his incumbency was marked by much valuable service to the
city. Doctor Parsons was for years a member of the local pension
board and during the period of America 's participation in the World
war also rendered valuable service as a member of the medical advisory
board for the physical examination of men registered for service. The
Doctor was a faithful member of the Main Street Christian Church and
had for years been an office bearer in the same as well as an earnest
teacher in the Sunday school, for several years teacher of the men's
Century class and in recent years teacher of a woman 's class. Doctor
Parsons died at his home, 410 North Main street, at 12 :15 p. m.,
;Saturday, March 5, 1921, and his widow is still making her home
there. The only other close family survivor is the Doctor's sister,
Mrs. Mary Parrish, of Indianapolis. Mrs. Parsons also is a member
of one of the old families of Rush county and has lived here all her
life. She was born in Rushville, Sallie Sexton, daughter of Dr. Mar-
shall Sexton and his wife Elizabeth, of excellent memory and further
and fitting mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume, together
with portraits of four successive generations of Doctors Sexton who
have practiced their profession in this county. She was united in
marriage to Doctor Parsons on December 17, 1878, and to this union
one child was born, a son, John Parsons, who died in 1893.
WALLACE G. MORGAN, attorney-at-law at Rushville and one
of the best known lawyers in the Sixth district, was born in this
county and has lived here all his life, a practicing attorney since the
days of his young manhood, formerly associated in the practice of
law with his father, the late David S. Morgan, and now associated
in practice with Gates Ketchum. Mr. Morgan was born on a farm
in Richland township on May 8, 1866, son of David S. and Mary E.
(Mcllwain) Morgan, the latter of whom years ago was a teacher in
the old Richland Academy. David S. Morgan was a Kentuckian by
birth who at the age of eighteen years came to Indiana with his
parents, Samuel Morgan and wife, the family locating in Richland
township, this county. David S. Morgan completed his schooling in
32 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
the Richland Academy and thereafter for many years taught school
in that township, teaching during the winter seasons. In the mean-
time he took up the study of law, was presently admitted to the bar
and in 1881 moved to Rushville, where he opened an office for the
practice of the profession to which he had devoted his talents and
there continued in practice the remainder of his life, his death occur-
ring in 1905. David S. Morgan and wife were the parents of five
children, sons all, three of whom are still living, the subject of this
biographical sketch having two brothers, Samuel and William O.
Morgan. The deceased were Rosco and Bert Morgan. Wallace G.
Morgan was about seventeen years of age when his parents moved
from Richland township to Rushville and he completed his schooling
in the Rushville schools. Under the able preceptorship of his father
he early entered upon the study of law and upon his admission to
the bar formed a partnership with his father in the practice of that
profession and this mutually agreeable association continued until the
death of the elder Morgan in 1905. Not long after the death of his
father Mr. Morgan formed a partnership with Douglas Morris and
this firm had a wide practice. One of Mr. Morgan 's legal connections
of considerable consequence is that as attorney for the Dollings In-
vestment Company of Indianapolis. Mr. Morgan's wife, nee Mary
McLaughlan, also was born in Rush county, a member of one of the
county's old families, and she and Mr. Morgan ever have taken an
interested part in the general social activities of the community,
helpful in promoting and furthering all movements having to do with
the common good hereabout. In his political affiliation Mr. Morgan
is a Democrat and for many years has been regarded as one of the
leaders of that party in Rush county and throughout the Sixth dis-
trict. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Rushville.
CHESTER F. CROSS, one of the conspicuous figures in agri-
cultural circles in Jackson township, is essentially a man of affairs,
of sound judgment, keen discernment and far-seeing in what he
undertakes, and his extensive interests are but the legitimate fruitage
of consecutive effort, directed and controlled by good judgment and
correct business principles. Mr. Cross is a native of Jackson town-
ship, born there on August 25, 1883, the son of John F. and Olive
(Powell) Cross, who are represented in a personal sketch elsewhere in
this work. The subject was educated in the Osborn school and on
completing his studies he devoted himself to the work of the home
farm, remaining with his father up to the time of his marriage. He
then engaged in farming on his own account on the land where he
now lives and has continued here to the present time. He now owns
160 acres in this farm, and 100 acres elsewhere in Jackson township,
making his total holdings 260 acres. He keeps his farms up to the
highest standard of excellence, both as regards buildings and the
condition of the soil, and is regarded as a thoroughly up-to-date and
progressive farmer. Mr. Cross gives considerable attention to live
stock, raising from 400 to 500 hogs each year, in addition to which
he buys about 250 head, so that altogether he feeds about 650 head a
year. He also feeds about two car loads of cattle annually. On
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 33
March 20, 1904, Chester F. Cross was married to Carrie J. Northam,
who was born and reared in Posey township, the daughter of Jasper
N. and Kate (Coffin) Northam. Her parents were both natives of
Rush county, the father having cultivated a farm in Posey township
for a number of years. They became the parents of five children,
all of whom are living, namely: Carrie, Russell, Merrill, Thelma and
Katherine. Mr. and Mrs. Cross have one child, Tracy, born in 1904,
who is now a student in the Rushville high school. Mr. Cross is a
staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and is a member of the
Free and Accepted Masons, holding membership in all the bodies of
that order at Rushville up to and including the commandery of
Knights Templar; he is also a member of Murat Temple of the
Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Indianap-
olis, and Lodge No. 1307, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
at Rushville. Personally, Mr. Cross possesses to a marked degree
those qualities which win friendships and he is a popular member
of the circles in which he moves.
PERRY T. INNIS, president of the Milroy Bank at Milroy
and long recognized as one of the most progressive and substantial
business men of Rush county, has been a resident of this county all
his life and has ever been interested in community betterment and
advancement. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on
January 12, 1855, son of "William "W. and Jennie (Buchanan) Innis,
the former also a native of this county and the latter of Bourbon
county, Kentiicky, well known and influential residents of the
Milroy neighborhood in their generation and whose last days were
spent here. William W. Innis, who was the founder of the Innis-
Pierce Furniture Company at Rushville and whose name ever will
be inseparably associated with that concern, was born on a farm in
Anderson township, son of Alexander and Christina (Kirkpatriek)
Innis, the latter of whom also was born in Indiana, a member of
one of the pioneer families of this region. Alexander Innis was a
Pennsylvanian who left his home in the old Keystone state in the
days of his young manhood and came to Indiana, locating in Rush
county, where he married Christina Kirkpatriek and established his
home on a farm in Anderson township, developing a fine piece of
property there and there spending the rest of his life, a helpful
factor in the development and prosperity of that community. He
and his wife were the parents of six children, those besides William
W. having been James, Andrew, Eliza, Ellen and Lucinda. Reared
an a farm, William W. Innis for a time after starting out " for him-
self" was engaged in farming in his home township, but presently
left the farm and moved to Rushville where he became engaged in
the coal and lumber business, later becoming associated with Will-
iam M. Pierce in the manufacture of furniture at Rushville under the
firm name of the Innis-Pierce Furniture Company, built up an
extensive plant and a fine business and was thus engaged the rest
of his active life, one of the most influential factors in the develop-
ment of the industrial activities of the city of Rushville. William
3
34 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
W. Innis was for years an elder in the United Presbyterian church
and he and his wife were ever concerned in community good works.
They were the parents of five children, those besides the subject of
this sketch being Elizabeth, Mary Ellen, Robert and Arie. the latter
of whom died in infancy. Perry T. Innis "grew up" on the home
farm in Anderson township and supplemented the schooling
obtained in the Milroy schools by a course in the old Richland
Academy, after which he became engaged in farming on his father's
place, later engaging in the same vocation on his own account and
became the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres in the vicinity of
Milroy on which he established his home and on which he was ac-
tively engaged in farming and live stock raising until his retire-
ment from the farm to become engaged in banking. It was in 1904
that the Bank of Milroy was organized and at the first meeting of
the stockholders for organization Mr. Innis was elected president
of the institution, a position which he ever since has held and in the
exercise of which office he has made himself a strong figure in the
commercial life of this section of the state. In 1906 Mr. Innis
moved from the farm to Milroy and shortly afterward began to
give his whole time to the affairs of the bank and is still thus en-
gaged, he and his associates having built up a strong and continually
growing banking institution there. On January 1, 1S78, Perry T.
Innis was united in marriage to Flora Tompkins, daughter of G.
W. and Eliza Tompkins, of this county, and to this union two chil-
dren were born, sons both, Harry Innis, now a resident of Indianap-
olis, and Rex A. Innis, who married Mary Hammond and makes
his home on a farm in Rushville township. Mrs. Flora Innis died
on September 23, 1918. Mr. Innis is a member of the United Pres-
byterian church at Milroy, in the general activities of which con-
gregation he has for years taken an earnest interest and has long
served the congregation as a member of the church session. lie is a
Republican and in his fraternal relations is a Mason.
LEWIS EDGAR HARCOURT, a member of the advisory board
of Anderson township and a substantial retired farmer of that town-
ship now living at Milroy, was born in Rush county and has lived
here all his life. He was born on a farm in Orange township on
October 16, 1862, son of James A. and Harriette (Kealer) Harcourt,
who in their generation were among the best known and most influ-
ential residents of that community, and whose last days were spent
in this county. James A. Harcourt was born in Rush county of
pioneer parents and grew to manhood on the old home farm in Orange
township, in time becoming a farmer on his own account and as
his affairs prospered became the owner of two farms, one of 120
acres, a part of the old home place, and another of 240 acres. He
is well rememhered hereabout as the patentee and manufacturer of
the Harcourt Hoosier grain drill, a device which had a wide popu-
larity throughout this region in the days before the one-way drill was
introduced. For some time after patenting the Hoosier drill he
manufactured the device on his farm, his little shop being operated
1435530
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 35
by horse power, and lie would turn out ten or twelve machines a
year simply for the use of the neighbors, but as the popularity of the
drill extended and demands began to come in from other sections he
bought the old Scull woolen mill on Big P'lat Rock, two and a half
miles north of Moscow, and equipped the plant for the manufacture
of 1,000 or more of the drills a year. This manufacture he kept up
until the improved drills entered the general market, when he
abandoned the business and retired to his farm in Orange township
and was there engaged in farming the rest of his life. James A.
Hareourt and wife were the parents of nine children, five of whom
are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Alonzo
Hareourt, of Orange township ; Melissa, wife of John Hungerford, of
that same township ; Elmazie, wife of John Hardick, of Rushville, and
Wilbur Hareourt, the well known blacksmith. Lewis E. Hareourt
was reared on the home farm in Orange township, received his school-
ing in the excellent schools of that neighborhood and until he was
twenty -three years of age was engaged in work in his father's drill
factory. He then rented his father's farm in Anderson township
and thus occupied that place until after his father's death. In the
distribution of the estate he received a tract of forty acres, to which
by purchase he added an adjoining "forty." This place he presently
sold and then bought the old Rickets farm of 117 acres, moved to
the same and there made his home for fourteen years, at the end of
which time he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to
Milroy, where he has a very pleasant home and where he and his
family are quite comfortably situated. Mr. Hareourt is an ardent
Republican, as was his father before him, and has ever given his
earnest attention to local civic affairs, at present and for some time
past serving the public as a member of the advisory board of Ander-
son township. In 1886 Lewis E. Hareourt was united in marriage to
Martha C. Hodges, who also was born in this county, daughter of
Alfred Hodges, and to this union five children have been born, Faud,
Ertel, Callie, Clifford and Jewel (deceased). Faud Hareourt mar-
ried Nellie Whiteman, who died leaving one child, a little daughter,
Lois. Ertel Hareourt married Grace Kiplinger and Clifford Har-
eourt married Carrie Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Hareourt are members
of the Methodist Episcopal church and have ever taken an interested
and active part in church work, Mr. Hareourt now and for some
time past serving as a member of the board of trustees of the church.
ALBERT M. ROBINSON, plumber, an enterprising business
man of Manilla, Ind., was born there January 1, 1868, a member of
old Rush county families, both parents having been born and reared
in this part of Indiana. They were John T. and Martha U. (Titus)
Robinson, and had two children, Albert M. being the only one now
living. John T. Robinson was an engineer and also a carpenter and
was well known at Manilla. Albert M. Robinson attended the God-
dard and Homer schools in Walker township, until old enough to
become self-supporting, when he began farm work and for five years
was engaged as a farm hand. Following this he cut timber for W.
E. Talbert, for about ten years and then went into the plumbing
36 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
business at Manilla, sonic nineteen years ago, in which business he
has continued ever since. On October 24, 1892, Mr. Robinson married
Catherine E. Hey, born in Shelby county, Indiana, daughter of
Jacob and Amanda (Ross) Hey, and one of their two children. Mr.
and Mrs. Robinson have had five children : William E.. who is a
farmer in Shelby county, married Lucy Kuhn ; Evon E., who married
C. P. Hale, freight agent for the Pennsylvania railroad at New
Albany, Ind. ; Flo and Loren, who reside at home, and Dorothy, who
died at the age of seven years. Mr. Robinson and his family are
members of the Christian church at Manilla. Although never very
active in politics, Mr. Robinson has always been a sturdy Democrat
and takes a good citizen's interest in public affairs. He is a member
of the Masonic lodge at Manilla and belongs also to the Modern
Woodmen.
JOHN D. FLEENER, who died at his home in Jackson township
on April 3, 1917, and whose widow still lives there, having a pleasant
home on rural mail route No. 8 out of Rushville, was born in that
township on November 25, 1843. His parents were Drury and Sarah
M. (Dill) Fleener, the former a native of North Carolina and the
latter born and reared in Rush county. John D. Fleener received his
educational training in the local public schools in Jackson township.
After completing his studies he continued to live on the home place
with his father, assisting him in the operation of the farm up to the
time of his marriage. He then began farming on his own account on
the place where his widow now lives, and which comprises eighty-five
acres of land, a part of which land he inherited and a part of which
he bought. He successfully carried on farming operations for many
years and won a high reputation as a wide-awake, up-to-date and
enterprising farmer. On April 6, 1865, Mr. Fleener was united in
marriage to Sarah M. (Downey), who was born in Jackson township,
and attended the Downey school, the same which her husband at-
tended. She is the daughter of James and Rebecca (Hinton) Downey,
both of whom were natives of Kentucky. They came to Rush county
soon after their marriage and entered the land where he spent the
remainder of his days, the place comprising eighty acres. He and
his wife were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living,
namely : David E., Ezekiel, Martha, May and Sarah M. To Mr. and
Mrs. Fleener was born one child, Nolen D., on March 21, 1888, but
who died at the age of eleven years, seven months ond twenty-two
days. Mr. Fleener was an earnest and consistent member of the
Christian church, to which his widow now belongs. Politically. )v
was a life-long Democrat, though never an aspirant for public office.
He was one of Jackson township's most substantial and highly
esteemed citizens and the many beautiful tributes to his high stand-
ing as a man and citizen attested to the abiding place he had in the
hearts of his friends throughout this loealitv.
CHARLES T. ADDISON, who has been prominently identified
with the agricultural life of Posey township for years, was born in
Hancock county, Indiana, on February 19, 1879, and is a son of
Thomas J. and Elizabeth M. (Cathon) Addison, the former a native of
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 37
Shelby county, Indiana, and the latter born and reared in Rush county.
Thomas J. Addison was a farmer by vocation throughout his active
life, mostly confining his operations to Hancock county, though he
was the owner of 327 acres of land in Shelby, Rush and Hancock
counties. To him and his wife were born five children, all of whom
are living, namely: William A., Delphina, Orlando F., Charles T.
and Ruth A. Charles T. Addison received his education in Rush
county, attending the Clark school. He remained at home, assisting
his father in the farm work, until his marriage, when he rented a
tract of land from his father and began work on his own account.
At the time of his father's death, the subject inherited forty acres of
land and he also bought fifty-two acres, giving him a total of ninety-
two acres, all located in Posey township, and to the cultivation of
this land he has since devoted his attention, meeting with splendid
success. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods, keeping
the place in good repair, and carries on a diversified system of farm-
ing, raising the crops common to this locality. He also gives some
attention to live stock, raising and marketing about 150 head of hogs
annually. On December 12, 1900, Mr. Addison was married to Beu-
lah D. Collins, a native of Rush county, and the daughter of Eli and
Nannie May (Beekner) Collins, and to their union have been born
three children, Delphina M., Mary M. and Eli F., all of whom are
attending the public school at Arlington. Mr. and Mrs. Addison are
earnest members of the Friends church at Riverside. Politically, Mr.
Addison gives his support to the Democratic party. He takes a keen
interest in public affairs and gives his support to every movement
for the advancement of the general welfare.
JOHN H. HEEB, of Noble township, is representative of the
progressive agricultural element of Rush county. He was born in
Fayette county, Indiana, April 19, 1863, a son of Philip P. and Julia
A. (Thompson) Heeb, the latter a native of Rush county. Philip P.
Heeb was born in Germany and was a child of seven years when
brought to the United States, the family coming on out to Indiana
and first settling in Franklin county. There the youth acquired his
educational training in the country schools, but when he was fourteen
years of age removed to the home of his brother-in-law at Orange.
While residing there he became apprentice to the trade of wagon and
buggy making, after mastering which he followed that vocation for a
number of years. Later he turned his attention to farming near
Glenwood, in Noble township, where he purchased 150 acres, and
continued to carry operations thereon until his death in 1904. He
was a man of industry and good judgment, and a citizen who had the
respect and esteem of those among whom he spent his life. He and
his worthy wife, who was a native of Rush county, were the parents
of three children: John H., Walter S. and Elizabeth Mertie, who
married Oscar Churchill, who is deceased. John H. Heeb acquired
his educational training in the public schools of Orange, lnd., and
Noble township, and on leaving school applied himself to learning all
the particulars of the business of farming, under the able direction
of his father. He remained with the elder man until the time of his
38 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
marriage, when he embarked upon operations on his own account,
taking over the ownership, with his wife, of his present farm of
sixty-five acres, located in Noble township. Mr. Heeb is a general
farmer and a grower of live stock, in both of which departments he
has made a success. On December 22, 1886, he was united in mar
riage to Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac J. and Elizabeth (Gregg) Har-
rell, and to this union there have been born three children: Bon W.,
who married Lula Pullman and has three children, Newell W., Mary
Elizabeth and Helen B. ; Earl, who married Olive Stevens and has
one child, Ruth Lorene, and Hazel T., who married Ed. P. Moore
and has one child, "William Wallace. Mrs. Heeb was born on the
property on which she is now making her home, her parents being
respectively natives of Harrison, Ind., and Rush comity. Isaac J.
Harrell came to Rush county in young manhood and engaged in
farming, and here resided the rest of his life. He married Elizabeth
Gregg, daughter of Judge John Gregg, who came to Rush county at
an early day from Kentucky and entered land in Noble township
from the Government, on which he erected a log cabin. He became
widely and favorably known as a man of influence in his community.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrell, Elizabeth and
George. Mr. Heeb is a Democrat, but is not a politician. He and his
wife are generous supporters af various movements, educational, reli-
gious and civic, and are held in high esteem in the community in
which they have spent so many years.
LINCOLN GUPFIN, proprietor of the Guffin Dry Goods Com-
pany's Store at Rushville, and one of that city's popular and pro-
gressive business men, is a native of Rush county, having been born
in Noble township, September 23, 1864, a son of Andrew and Clara
(Brooks) Guffin, both of Rush county. Andrew Guffin spent his
entire life in the county, owning 300 acres of land in Noble township,
and was recognized as one of the shrewd and able agriculturists of
the community until the time of his death in 1903. He and his wife
reared a family of nine children: Alice, who married Dr. W. T.
Cooper; 0. F., Lincoln, Nellie, who married 0. J. Myers; Lucy, who
married Alonzo Keisling; Andrew, Claude, Maude, who married
John K. Stiers, and Theodosia, who married Claude B. Hunt. Lin-
coln Guffin was educated in the common schools of the county and
at- Little Flat Rock Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1884.
Thereafter he taught school and assisted his father about the farm.
teaching for three years at the Hinchman school and then at New
Salem. lie then gave up the profession of educator in favor of
farming, continuing on the land until the spring of 1893, when he
removed to Rushville, being first employed as a clerk by William
Bliss. After one year in this position, he clerked for six years for
Frank Wilson, leaving him to go into partnership in the clothing
business with W. G. Mulno. He continued successfully in this busi-
ness for eleven years and then sold out his interests to Mr. Mulno to
open up his present dry goods establishment with his sister-in-law as
his able assistant. Mr. Cuff in says that the present volume of his
business is largely due t<> her ability as a business woman and dry
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 39
goods specialist. Mr. Guffin was married on November 20, 1890, to
Nettie Myers, a daughter of John S. and Mary (Holman) Myers,
and it was after her death in March, 1893, that he moved to Rushville.
He was married to Leora Truster on November 29, 1896. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Guffin are devout members of the Christian church, in
which Mr. Guffin was at one time a deacon and also an elder, as well
as chairman of the official board. Mr. Guffin has the distinction
of being the first president of the Rush County Chautauqua, which
ranks second only to that at Winona. Fraternally he is Mason and
a Knight of Pythias, and in his political views, holds to the princi-
ples of the Republican party.
CHARLEY DAVIS, a substantial farmer of Anderson town-
ship, now living at Milroy, to which pleasant village he moved upon
retiring from the active labor of the farm a year or two ago, who
for the past ten years has rendered efficient public service as a mem-
ber of the county council and in other ways has manifested his
intelligent interest in public affairs, has been a resident of Rush
county all his life and is warmly devoted to the county's best inter-
ests. Mr. Davis was born on a farm and has been a farmer all his
life, having during the active period of his career as an agriculturist
developed an excellent piece of property and has also gained some-
thing more than a local reputation as a breeder of live stock. He
was born in Anderson township on November 29, 1875, son of Samuel
H. and Mary E. (Henry) Davis, both of whom were natives of Ken-
tucky, the parents of seven children, six of whom are still living,
those besides the subject of this sketch being J. Henry, Robert S.,
Elizabeth, John S. and May Davis. Reared on the home farm,
Charley Davis completed his schooling at Richland and from the days
of his boyhood was engaged in the work of the farm and thus grew
up to be an excellent farmer under the careful direction of his
father. Upon starting out "for himself" he bought a tract of 120
acres of the home place and there established his home. In addition
to his general farming Mr. Davis gave considerable attention to the
raising of live stock and has been accustomed to feed out about 300
head of hogs a year and a car load of cattle. His affairs prospered
and in 1918 he bought an additional tract of 160 acres of the old
home place and thus has now a farm of 280 acres and one of the
best equipped farm plants in that part of the county. In December,
1919, Mr. Davis moved from the farm to Milroy, at which place he
some time before had bought a house pleasantly situated and he and
his family are now living there, though he continues to give his farm
a proper measure of his personal attention, keeping a close super-
visory eye over the operation of the same. Mr. Davis is an ardent
Republican and has for years given his thoughtful attention to local
public affairs. In 1910 he was elected a member of the county council
from his district and has since been retained in that office, to th«
discharge of the important duties of which he has given his most
earnest attention, and is thus widely and popularly known through-
nut the county. On December 17, 1902, Charley Davis was united in
marriage to Mildred B. Meek, who was born in Decatur county.
40 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
daughter of John T. and Florence Eugenia (Bonner) Meek, natives
of Kentucky, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter,
Florence Louise. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist
church and have ever given their interested attention to church af-
fairs as well as to the general social affairs of their home neighbor-
hood, helpful in promoting all causes having to do with the advance-
ment of the common good hereabout. Mr. Davis is a thirty-second
degree Mason, affiliated with the local blue lodge and with the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis, and is likewise a No-
ble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affil-
iated with Murat Temple at Indianapolis. He also is a member of
the Rushville lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and in the affairs of these several fraternal organizations takes a
warm interest.
J. M. AMOS was born on the farm upon which he now lives in
Noble township, March 4, 1854, and has ever maintained the stand-
ards there set in their respective generations by his father and his
grandfather, thus projecting the usefulness of his family into a
later and more progressive period. Mr. Amos is a grandson of
Joseph J. Amos, who came to Rush county about 1822 and entered
land near where Milroy came to be located, proved up on it and
then returned to his native Kentucky, where he engaged in the mer-
cantile business at Ruddles Mills. A strong anti-slavery man, in
1842 he decided to leave a community which countenanced the
purchase and sale of human beings, and accordingly returned to
Indiana and settled in Rush county, purchasing the farm in Noble
township that is now the property of his grandson, on which he
lived until his death in 1S90, when he was eighty-six years of age.
Through business ability, wise investment and a shrewd apprecia-
tion of values, he became one of the leading landholders in the
county, and at one time owned 2,200 acres. A man of education,
he gave thought and study to the serious things of life, and was one
of the active members and liberal supporters of the Methodist
Protestant clrareh, and assisted to build several houses of worship
of that denomination in this community. He was likewise a great
friend of education and endowed a chair at Adrian (Mich.)
Normal School, for $22,500. Mr. Amos was the father of four chil-
dren: Johanan, Van Buren, Aeretta and Mary. J. Amos, father of
J M. Amos, was about fifteen years of age when brought from his
native Bourbon county, Kentucky, to Rush county, in 1842, and
here he completed his schooling in the district schools. As a young
man he engaged in farming, but was more interested in trading
and gradually developed into one of the leading traders in mules
in the county, particularly during the Civil war. With a promis-
ing career before him, he was called by death when still a com-
paratively young man. in his thirty-seventh year, January 16, 1864.
Mr. Amos married Amanda Hildreth, also a native of Bourbon
county. Kentucky, and they became the parents of five children:
laffard Kossuth, Johanan Mazzini, Willard Hildreth, Anna
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 41
Rebecca and Joseph J. J. M. Amos received his education in the
district schools of Noble township, after leaving which he took up
farming on the home place, where he has always resided and oper-
ated as a general farmer and grower of live stock. He is now the
owner of 606 acres, in Rushville and Noble townships, the improve-
ments on which are all of his own building. He and his son, Will-
iam, who is his associate, feed about 700 hogs annually, and raise
about 200 acres of com and 175 acres of wheat. His modern im-
provements include three sets of buildings and the latest and most
highly approved machinery of every kind. During the heyday of
horseracing in this country, Mr. Amos gained much more than a
local reputation as a breeder of fast horses, and bred and owned
thirty horses that had a record of better than 2 :30. Among these
was "Legal Tender," a pacer, 2:27, and sire of "Alhambra,"
2:08*4, the fastest horse ever bred in Rush county, which paced a
quarter of a mile in 27 seconds. Mr. Amos is one of the liberal-
minded and progressive men of his community, has various other
interests aside from his farm, and is a director of the Co-operative
Telephone Company, of Rushville, and of the Rushville National
Bank. He is a Republican, and a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He has always demonstrated his willingness to
discharge the duties of good citizenship and for three years served
in the capacity of county ditch commissioner. On December 23,
1873, Mr. Amos married Estella J. Poston, daughter of George W.
and Nancy (McNeal) Poston, and to this union there have been
born five children: William M., who married Mildred Moore and
has four children, Elizabeth, Anna Louise, Robert and Margaret;
Ethel, who married George Nicoll and has two children, David
Amos and William ; Luella, who married Albert Capp and has two
children, Ellen and Fred; Georgia, who married George Donley,
and Clorine, who married J. Kennard Allen.
R. O. KENNEDY, M. D., although one of the latest additions
to the medical fraternity of Rushville, has already made remarkable
progress in gaining the confidence and support of the citizens of the
community. He was born March 28, 1879, in Hendricks county,
Indiana, on a farm south of Lizton, the son of R. E. and Susan
(Overstreet) Kennedy, the former of near Paris, Ky., the latter of
Hendricks county. R. E. Kennedy moved to Hendricks county when
he was four years old with his parents. There he received his
education in the public schools and grew to manhood. For his entire
active life he followed agricultural sursuits, moving to Lizton when
he retired. Jacob Kennedy, the grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was one of the pioneers of Hendricks county and became
known as a prominent nursery man and breeder of thoroughbred
Berkshire hogs, Shropshire sheep, and Percheron horses. R. E. Ken-
nedy and wife were the parents of three children: Elmer W., R.
O., and Vangie. Dr. R. O. Kennedy attended the public schools of
Hendricks county and was graduated with the first class to receive
diplomas from the Lizton high school. He then took up the profes-
42 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
sion of teaching, continuing in it for nine years and augmenting his
learning by attendance at the Central Normal School at Danville,
Ind., and the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute. However, after
mature reflection and careful observation, he decided upon a career
as a doctor of medicine, toward which he had always felt an attrac-
tion. Accordingly he attended Indiana Medical College at Indian-
apolis where he found his long years of teaching and study a decided
advantage. He was graduated in 1913 with his M. D. degree, and
immediately thereafter located in the town of Milroy, this county.
During the seven years of his practice there he made a host of warm
friends, who had every confidence in his ability. Believing that
Rushville presents a larger field for his endeavors, Doctor Kennedy
moved to the latter place in May, 1920, and has established himself
in an increasingly more profitable practice. He married Pearl Edith
Thompson, a daughter of A. M. and Amanda Thompson, and they
are the parents of one child, a daughter, Rowena Winnifred. Doctor
Kennedy is a worker in the Christian church, and politically is found
in the ranks of the Republican party. He is also well known in fra-
ternal and professional organizations, being a member of Masonic
bodies up to and including the Scottish Rite and Shrine. He also
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the
Knights of Pythias. He is affiliated with the American; state and
county medical association.
HORRIE BROOKS, a well known agriculturist, of Noble town-
ship, is occupying the same property which was the scene of his
birth. Mr. Brooks, however, has not spent his entire life on this
farm, as his career has been a somewhat varied one and his expe-
riences have taken him to various parts of the state. He was born
on June 10, 1874, a son of James and Frances (Stevens) Brooks.
James Brooks was born in Adams county, Ohio, where he grew to
manhood and during the Civil war enlisted in the Sixty-second regi-
ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At the close of that struggle he
migrated to Indiana and engaged in farming in Noble township, this
county, on the farm a part of which is now owned by his son. After
spending a number of years in this locality he removed to Union
township, where he rented a farm, and there continued his operations
until he retired from active life, since when he has lived quietly at
Rushville. Mr. Brooks married Frances Stevens, who was born in
Rush county, a daughter of A. J. and Mary (Gregg) Stevens, natives
of Noble township and members of early families of this locality.
This is said to be the oldest homestead in Noble township, the land
having been entered by John Gregg, who came hither from Bracken
county, Kentucky, as early as 1821, and entered a large tract of land,
to which he added from time to time, at his death being the possessor
of 1,300 acres, which he devoted to general farming and the raising
of live stock. On this land, in 1826, he erected the old home that is
still standing, in which was born Mary (Gregg) Stevens, the mater-
nal grandmother of Horrie Brooks, and in which Mr. Brooks, who
was also born here, now lives. Three children were born to James
and Frances Brooks, Horrie, Charles and one who died in infancy.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 43
Horrie Brooks received his education hi the public schools of Noblf
and Union townships, and upon leaving school took up farming.
Later he became interested in racing horses and for a time operated
a racing stable and entered his horses in various meets all over the
state, the star of his performers being "John D.", with a record of
2 -.O^y^. Later he trained race horses at Rushville and for six years
had charge of a stock farm and racing barn at Clinton, Indiana.
About 1916 Mr. Brooks retired from the racing game and returned to
the more prosaie business of farming, after three years spent at
Indianapolis. He is the owner of a property consisting of fifty
acres, and is renting sufficient land to make his operations cover
activities on 100 acres, which he is devoting to general farming and
stock raising. He is capable, energetic and entirely trustworthy and
therefore forms a useful and honorable factor in the life of his com-
munity. Mr. Brooks was united in marriage in 1905 to Mrs. Ella
N. (Templeton) Shaw, daughter of James W. and Prances (Stout)
Templeton. They have no children. Mrs. Brooks was born in
Shelby county, Indiana. Her father was born in Franklin county
and her mother in Decatur county, this state. After their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Templeton resided for a time in Shelby county, but
later removed to Decatur county, where Mr. Templeton died in
1901. His widow still survives him and is a resident of Indianapolis.
They had five children : Flora, Mrs. Brooks, Harry, Grace and Eliza-
beth. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are members of the Christian church
at Rushville. In politics he is a stalwart supporter of the Republi-
can party.
CHARLES A. FRAZEE, treasurer of Rush county and former
postmaster of Rushville, former chairman of the Rush county Repub-
lican central committee and for many years actively identified with
civic affairs in this county, one of the best known public men in
the Sixth district, was born in Rush county and has lived here all
his life. He was born on a farm in Rushville township on December
11, 1875, son of Aaron and Sarah (Brooks) Frazee, natives of the
state of Kentucky, whose last days were spent in this county. Aaron
Frazee came from Kentucky to Indiana in the days of his young
manhood and bought a farm in Noble township, this county, where,
after his marriage, he established his home. Some time later, how-
ever, he sold that place and bought a farm in Rushville township
which he developed into a fine piece of property and on which he
spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there on May 1,
1896. His widow survived him more than two years, her death
occurring on August 23, 1898. Aaron Frazee and wife were the
parents of four children, those besides the subject of this sketch
being Ora, wife of W. W. "Wilson, William M. Frazee and Mrs. Myrtle
Bonner, the latter a resident of Greensburg, this state. Charles A.
Frazee was reared on the home farm and finished his schooling in
the Rushville high school. As a young man he continued on the
farm assisting his father in the operation of the same until the
latter 's death and for about ten years thereafter continued in active
management of the same. In February, 1909, Mr. Frazee received
44 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
from President Roosevelt the appointment as postmaster of Rush-
ville and continued to serve the public in that important capacity
until the expiration of his commission in 1913, after which he was
appointed deputy county treasurer. For four years he served in
that capacity and then in 1918 was elected county treasurer, leading
the county ticket in that election. Mr. Frazee is an ardent Republi-
can and has for years been recognized as among the leaders of that
party in this part of the state. From 1903 to 1909, thus serving
three terms, he served his party as chairman of the county central
committee and in that capacity did much to strengthen and solidify
the party's interests in this county, his appointment as postmaster in
the latter year and his subsequent election to the office of county
treasurer having been property regarded in the community as but
fitting rewards for the effective service rendered in behalf of the
committee and the party at large. On August 24, 1899, Charles A.
Frazee was united in marriage to Georgia McBride. daughter of
William and Sarah McBride, and to this union has been born one
child, a daughter, Helen K. The Frazees have a pleasant home in
Rushville and have ever taken an interested part in the city's general
social activities and have been helpful in promoting movements look-
ing to the common good. Mr. Frazee is a thirty-second degree
Mason, a member of the local lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons
at Rushville, affiliated with the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
Valley of Indianapolis; is a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple at India-
napolis, and a member of the Rushville lodge of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks.
CHARLES BENNING, a retired farmer of this county, now
living at Milroy, where he has quite a snug piece of property adjoin-
ing his home, was born in the neighboring county of Franklin but has •
been a resident of Rush county since he was twenty years of age, and
thus, of course, has long felt "perfectly at home" here. He was
born on January 14, 1864, son of Charles and Catherine (Brinkman)
Benning, both of whom were born in Germany but who had come
to this country with their respective parents in the days of their
childhood, both the Benning and the Brinkman families coming out
into Indiana and settling in Franklin county where they established
their permanent homes and where both families are still represented.
The senior Charles Benning grew to manhood on a farm in Franklin
county and after his marriage to Catherine Brinkman became
engaged in farming on his own account and in time became the owner
of a fine farm of 160 acres on which he spent his last days. He and
his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom three are still
living, the subject of this sketch having a brother, John, and a sister,
Catherine. Reared on the home farm in Franklin county, Charles
Benning, Jr., received his schooling in the schools of his home neigh-
borhood and was from boyhood trained to the ways of the farm. In
1884 he came over into Rush county and was here engaged in farm
work until his marriage in 1892 when he rented a farm in Orange
township and began operations "on his own." For fifteen years he
ff J 1^^5*
"
i.
W *
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 45
continued as a renter and then bought a small tract of fifteen acres,
to which in the same year he added an adjoining tract of sixty acres,
and continued to farm there for several years, at the end of which
time he sold that place and a year later bought a farm of forty-nine
acres in Rushville township, on which latter place he continued to
make his home until he sold it and in 1919 moved to Milroy, where
he bought a home and eight lots adjacent, thus giving him ample
garden space, and has since resided there, he and his wife being
fixed very comfortably. They are members of the Methodist church
and have ever taken an interested part in church work. Mr. Ben-
ning is a Democrat, but has never taken a particularly active part in
political affairs. It was on August 18, 1892, that Charles Benning
was united in marriage to Ella Campbell, who was born in the
adjoining county of Shelby, daughter of William and Sarah (Land)
Campbell, both of whom were born in Jefferson county, this state ;
members of pioneer families there. William Campbell and his wife
moved from Jefferson to Shelby county shortly after their marriage
and located on a farm, where Mr. Campbell continued engaged in
farming until after his wife's death when he sold his farm and
returned to Jefferson county. They were the parents of seven chil-
dren, those besides Mrs. Benning being John, William, Morton,
Robert, Ida and Bertha.
JESSE A. LEISURE, who occupied a prominent place in the
esteem of the people of his section of the county, not only because
of his business success, but because of his sterling qualities of char-
acter, is a worthy representative of one of the excellent old families
of the county, members of which have figured more or less promi-
nently in the affairs of the community, and this review of his career
in connection with other representative citizens of Rush county
therefore is timely. Jesse A. Leisure is a native son of Rush county,
having been born in Ripley township on December 29, 1858. He is
the son of John and Jane (Green) Leisure, both of whom also were
born and reared in Rush county, the father in Posey township and
the mother in Ripley township. John Leisure followed farming
throughout his active life and was successful in his business affairs,
becoming the owner of 1,120 acres of land in Ripley township. To
him and his wife were born four children, of whom three are living,
namely, Sarah L., Cora A. and Jesse A. The subject received his
educational training in the Ernest school in Ripley township, and
after finishing his studies he went to work for his father on the
home farm. Two years later he was married and then began farm-
ing on his own account. Going to Jackson township, he bought 160
acres of land, which he operated for four years, and then sold that
and moved to his present location in that same township, buying
330 acres. Persistent industry and good management characterized
his efforts and as he prospered he increased his land holdings until
he became the owner of 1,400 acres of excellent farm land. How-
ever, he has since given 460 acres of land to his two sons, so that
his present holdings amount to 940 acres. Mr. Leisure cultivates
4G HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
practically the entire place, carrying on a general line of farming,
and in connection he raises considerable live stock, marketing about
500 head of hogs and about 100 head of cattle each year. The im-
provements on his farm are all of a permanent, substantial and
attractive character, the general appearance of the place indicating
the owner to be a man of good taste and sound judgment. On Octo-
ber 20, 1881, Jesse A. Leisure was married to Hannah J. Gilson, a
native of Center township, Rush county, and the daughter of John
M. and Sophrona (Fry) Gilson, both of whom also were born and
reared in Rush county, Mr. Gilson having been a successful farmer
in Center township. Mr. and Mrs. Leisure have two children,
Harry R. and Orville G. Harry R. Leisure, who is engaged in
farming in Ripley township, married Effie Linville and to them
have been born six children, of whom four are living, Mabel M.,
George, Harry, Jr., and Eugene. Orville G. Leisure, who farms in
Jackson township, married Mabel Linville, and of the three children
born to them, two are living, Jesse S. and Edith L. Politically, Mr.
Leisure has always been a stanch supporter of the Democratic
party and has taken a keen and intelligent interest in public affairs,
especially as relating to his own county and community, invariably
giving his earnest support to every movement for the advancement
of the general welfare. He is an active member of the Church of
Christ at Little Blue River and has been an elder in this church
for twenty-five years. He is counted one of the leaders in thought
and action in his community and enjoys to a marked degree the
confidence and respect of all who know him.
FLOYD H. MINER, superintendent of the township school at
Manilla, has been engaged in educational work since the outset of his
career, and during the comparatively short period of his allegiance
to his profession has made rapid strides toward high preferment.
He is a native of Rush county, born on a farm in Ripley township.
May 17, 1890, a son of Edward N. and Mary E. (Hill)' Miner, the
former a native of the neighboring county of Hancock and the latter
of Rush county. Edward N. Miner is a carpenter by trade and has
followed that vocation during the greater part of his life, although
he has given some attention to farming in Ripley township. He and
his wife reside in Carthage. They have two children, the subject of
this sketch having a sister, Florence F., a graduate of the high school
at Carthage. Floyd H. Miner attended the high school at Carthage
and early evidenced inclinations toward a career as an educator. He
was but eighteen years of age when he began teaching in Ripley
township. After three years of teaching there he decided he needed
further preparation and accordingly pursued a course at the Indiana
State Normal School at Terre Haute, where he received his degree of
Bachelor of Arts. He later became principal of the high school at
French Lick, Indiana, a position which he held during 1914 and
1915. His next location was at Hackensack, N. J., where he taught
in the junior high school for two years. While in Hackensack, he
spent a year in Columbia University doing special work in educa-
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 47
tion. In the fall of 1917 he returned to Indiana and became superin-
tendent of schools at West Baden, where he remained three years.
In the fall of 1920 Mr. Miner came to Manilla, as superintendent of
the township school, having about 140 pupils and nine teachers under
his superintendency. Mr. Miner has been very successful in his
chosen calling. Aside from his instructive ability, and the executive
capacity necessary for the management of his charges, he possesses
the ability to secure and hold the good will of pupils and parents.
He is constantly striving to further prepare himself for valuable
work in his profession, and is a close and careful student and a lover
of literature of the best kind. He holds membership in the Forum
Society of the State Normal School, and is a thirty-second degree
Mason, belonging to the Blue lodge at French Lick and the Scottish
Rite at Indianapolis. Following in the footsteps of his mother, he
belongs to the Society of Friends. On August 30, 1919, Mr. Miner
was united in marriage to Mary A. Alexander, who was born in
Fountain county, Indiana, but was reared and educated in Mont-
gomery county, this state. Mrs. Miner is a graduate of the high
school at New Market, Indiana, and attended the State Normal School
at Terre Haute, and Mrs. Blaker's Teachers' College at Indianapolis.
She is a daughter of Daniel A. and Josephine Alexander, farming
people of Montgomery county, where Mr. Alexander is still the owner
of a valuable property. Mrs. Miner has a younger sister, Nioma.
To Mr. and Mrs. Miner there has come one child : Rosemary, born on
September 12, 1920.
WILLIAM H. GLENDENNING, a well-known farmer and
representative citizen of Posey township, was born in that township
on November 16, 1890, and is the son of George W. and Margaret F.
(Powell) Glendenning. He attended school in districts Nos. 1 and
6 and also received three years of high school work in the Arlington
school. On leaving school Mr. Glendenning devoted himself to the
work of the home farm, working for his father until the latter \s
death, and then continuing for his mother about three years. Since
then he has been operating the home farm as a renter and has met
with a gratifying measure of success. The farm comprises 343
acres of land, all located in Posey township, and there the subject is
carrying on general farming, raising all the crops common to this
section of the country, and also giving some attention to live stock,
handling about 150 head of hogs each year. The place is well
improved and ranks among the best farms of Posey township. On
June 12, 1917, Mr. Glendenning was married to Beulah Metsker, who
was born in the state of California, but was educated in Benton
county, Indiana. She is a daughter of Luther and Emma (Bowman)
Metsker, both of whom were born and reared in • Warren county,
Indiana, where the father followed the vocation of farming. Luther
Metsker and wife were the parents of six children, all of whom are
living, namely: Mary, Robert, Beulah, Arnett, Lena and Lucile.
To Mr. and Mrs. Glendenning have been born two children, Lloyd
V., born on May 23, 1918, and Georgia, who died in infancy. Mr.
Glendenning has been a staunch and life-long supporter of the
48 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Republican party and is now serving a term as a member of the
county council. He and his wife are earnest members of the Method-
ist Episcopal church at Arlington.
WILLIAM CURTIS GEISE, a substantial grain grower and
live stock dealer, of Noble township, was born in Payette county,
this state, December 15, 1882, a son of Henry and Frances (Breiten-
bauch) Geise. Henry Geise was born in Pennsylvania and was a
small child when brought by his parents from the Keystone state to
Indiana, the family settling in Payette county, where he was given
a public school education. Reared to agricultural pursuits, on reach-
ing years of manhood he adopted the tilling of the soil as his life
work and engaged therein in Fayette county until 1894, in that year
renting a farm in Union township, Rush county. This property he
farmed until 1908, when he moved back to Fayette county and
purchased a tract of 120 acres, on which he is still carrying on suc-
cessful operations as a general farmer and grower of live stock. He
and his worthy wife, a native of Fayette county, have been the
parents of sixteen children, of whom thirteen survive: Edward.
Joseph, Mollie, John, Stella, William Curtis, Quincy, Cleve, Vina,
Emma, Hazel, Ben and Bernice. William Curtis Geise received hi3
educational training in the public schools of Payette and Rush
counties, and when ready to embark upon his career engaged in
farming in association with his father. This connection continued to
be maintained until Mr. Geise was married, at which time he rented
the place on which he is now living, and there has developed a hand-
some property. His operations have extended somewhat since the
early days of his experience and at this time he is renting 145 acres,
in addition to which he operates also 143 acres belonging to him,
and all of it is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Geise operates
his property according to the latest approved methods of agricultural
science, and is practical, efficient and thorough. He has eighty
acres in corn and fifty acres in wheat, and feeds out on an average
of 200 hogs each year. Mr. Geise has large and substantial buildings,
and makes use of the latest equipment and machinery. In 1906 Mr.
Geise was united in marriage to Ethel Wilson, daughter of John and
Nora Wilson, and to this union there have been born five children.
Esther, Ruth, Richard, Harlan and Betty. Mr. and Mrs. Geise are
members of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church, in the faith of
which the children are being reared. In his political allegiance Mr.
Geise is a Democrat.
ROY WAGGENER, who is discharging with marked ability the
multifarious duties connected with his important position as secre-
tary, treasurer and manager of the Park Furniture Manufacturing
Company of Rushville, was born in Franklin, Ind., March 14, 1881,
the son of Robert and Nancy (Yelton) Waggener. Robert Waggener
was a prosperous contractor of Franklin, doing a general business
in that line as well as being proprietor of a planing mill and lumber
yard. Roy Waggener received his earlier education in the common
and high schools of Franklin, after completing which he attended
Franklin College. Upon leaving scholastic halls behind him, he began
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 49
working for the Greer Wilkinson Lumber Company of Franklin,
remaining with them off and on for six years. His initial association
with this firm was in the capacity of a machine hand, as he wished
to learn all phases of the business. His advancement was rapid, and
when he severed connections with the company he was serving it as
manager of the mill department. Then, in 1908, he came to Rush-
ville, accepting the position of superintendent of the J. D. Case
planing mill, remaining with this firm until January, 1919, when he
became secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Park Furni-
ture Manufacturing Company, and although he has met with many
serious and difficult problems on account of the post-war unsettled
conditions of all business, he has successfully overcome them all. Mr.
Waggener married Edith Mullendore and three children have been
born to their union, Mary Elizabeth, Roy, Jr., and Nancy Jane. Mr.
"Waggener is a communicant of the Baptist church, and politically is
known as a strong Republican. In fraternal circles he is a Knight
Templar Mason and holds membership in the Rotary Club.
WILLIAM J. HENLEY, former judge of the Appellate Court
of Indiana and for many years a member of the bar of the Rush
Circuit Court, now living at his old home at Carthage, this county,
where he is the owner of valuable farming property, was born at
Carthage on October 15, 1S64, a son of Thc.nas W and Hannah C.
(Williams) Henley, natives of Greensboro, N. C. Elias Henley,
father of Thomas W. Henley, was born in North Carolina and in
1827 brought his family to Indiana, settling on a part of the prop-
erty on which his grandson, Judge Henley, now makes his home.
He followed farming and was a man of influence in his community.
Thomas W. Henley was a child when brought by his parents to
Rush county, where his subsequent career was passed as a tiller of
the soil. He was successful in his operations and at the time of his
death was the owner of 600 acres of valuable land. He and his
wife were the parents of six children, R. Edgar, Abbie J., Eunice,
William J., Annie W. and Thomas B. (deceased). William J. Hen-
ley received his early schooling in the schools of Carthage, and after
his graduation from the high school with the class of 1881 decided
upon a career in the law. Accordingly, for two years he read law
in the office of Mellete & Bundy, at New Castle, Ind., and when
about twenty years of age went to Rushville, where he served for
one year as deputy clerk of the court. At the age of twenty-one
he formed a law partnership with Ben L. Smith, at Rushville, the
firm being known as Smith & Henley. This association was dis-
solved after several years and Mr. Henley formed a connection
with Lot E. Griffin, as Henley & Griffin. In 1896 Mr. Henley was
elected to the office of Judge of the Indiana State Court of Appeals,
representing the First district, the youngest man ever elected to
that high office. After serving eight years on the bench. Judge
Henley resigned, although he had been elected for a third term.
In 1903 Judge Henley accepted the position of president and gen-
eral counsel of the Chicago & Western Indiana railroad and retained
4
50 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
that post for nine years, following which he went to Indianapolis
and became a member of the law firm of Henley, Fenton &
Joseph. He remained with this concern until 1917, when, acting
upon the advice of his physician, he retired to the farm upon which
he now makes his home at the southwest edge of Carthage. Judge
Henley is a Republican and is a birthright member of the Carthage
Meeting of Friends. He is a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 62,
Free and Accepted Masons, of Rushville, and Rushville Lodge No.
1307, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In 1912 Judge
Henley was united in marriage to Myrtle Robinson, who was born
at Marion, Indiana, daughter of William A. and Anna Robinson,
and to this union there has come one child, Mary Elizabeth, born
on November 6, 1913. By a former marriage Judge Henley has
three children : Mrs. Gladys Mauzy, of Rushville ; William J., Jr.,
and June.
WILLIAM SEWARD WHITEMAN, a well known retired
farmer of this county, now living at Milroy, where he has made his
home for nearly twenty years past, was born in that part of Rush
county, a member of one of the pioneer families thereabout, and has
been a resident of this county all his life. The Whitemans have been
residents of this county for more than a century, the first of the
name to settle here having been Jacob and Mary Whiteman, who came
over here from Ohio in 1819 and established their home on a tract
of "Congress land" two miles southwest of where the village of
Milroy presently began to have its being, and were thus among the
real pioneers of this region, that having been in the days before
Rush county had a separate civic identity. Jacob Whiteman was a
Pennsylvanian and his wife was a native of South Carolina. They
developed a farm out of the wilderness in which they had settled and
there spent their last days, the results of their labors persisting in
the present generation, and the land which they entered from the
Government still is in the possession of the family. One of their
sons, William Whiteman, eventually came into possession of the
quarter section tract and on that place, on which he was born, he-
spent all his life, living to the ripe old age of eighty years. William
Whiteman was born on June .">, 1829. He married Emily Warriner,
who also was born in Indiana, and established his home on the old
home place, later increasing his land holdings to 188 acres. He and
his wife were the parents of six children : Clara, who married Daniel
Power; Horace G. ; William S., the subject of this sketch, and Mary,
Martha and Emma. William S. Whiteman was born on June 5, 1862,
on the place which his grandparents had entered from the govern-
ment and there grew to manhood, receiving his schooling in the
schools of that neighborhood, and continued farming with his father
until after his marriage in 1886 when he rented a farm in Orange
township and began operations for himself. Four years later he
returned to Anderson township and bought a farm of eighty acres
a mile and a half west of Milroy on which he established his home.
He developed this place in excellent shape and as his affairs pros-
pered added to his holdings until he became the owner of 188 acres
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 51
which he still holds. There he remained until 1902 when he retired
from the active labors of the farm and moved to Milroy, where he is
still living, continuing, however, to give pretty close supervisory
attention to the affairs of the farm. It Avas on September 9, 1886,
that William Seward Whiteman was united in marriage to Clara
Crane, who also was born in this county, daughter of Isaac and
Belinda (Camerer) Crane, and to this union one child was born, a
daughter, Nellie, who married Faud E. Harcourt and who died on
April 12, 1915, leaving a little daughter, Lois Catherine. Mr. and
Mrs. Whiteman have a pleasant home at Milroy and have ever taken
an interested part in the general social affairs of their home com-
munity. They are members of the Methodist church and for some
years Mr. Whiteman has been a member of the board of trustees of
the church. In his political views Mr. Whiteman is a Republican, as
was his father, and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local
civic affairs, but has not been a seeker after office. He is a Mason,
a member of the local blue lodge, and takes a proper interest in the
affairs of that ancient fraternal organization.
FREDERICK KESSLER, a retired farmer and substantial cit-
izen of Walker township, was born in Germany, March 29, 1850, a
son of Frederick and Barbara (Nicholas) Kessler. They had eleven
children, the two survivors of the family being Mike and Frederick.
The parents spent their lives in Germany where the father followed
the wagon-making trade. Frederick Kessler, the younger, remained
in his native land until he was twenty years old, going to school in
boyhood and later helping his father. He was determined, however,
to emigrate to the United States and took advantage of the first
opportunity that came his way to secure passage across the Atlantic.
After being safely landed in the port of New York, he made his way
to Shelbj-ville, Ind., where an acquaintance by the name of John
Leafes was established in the drug business, with whom he remained
for seven weeks, going then to Cincinnati, where he secured a position
in a bakery and remained there eight months. At this time sickness
fell upon him and he returned to his friend in Shelbyville. When
ready to begin work again, he went on a farm and for the next four
years worked as a farm hand for Andrew Kuhn and later for Daniel
Kuhn. In 1876 he married and began farming on his own account
and for the next sixteen years rented land in Rush county, then
bought his first piece, a tract of eight acres. This was his beginning
in the acquirement of a large and valuable estate, Mr. Kessler now
owning 450 acres of land all in one body. For many years he carried
on general farming and stockraising, each year feeding two car loads
of hogs. When he felt ready to retire from active work on the farm
lie found no difficulty as he has strong, sturdy and capable sons
who are now very successfully carrying on the various industries,
April 12, 1876, Frederick Kessler married Elizabeth Hatchel, who
was born in Germany, daughter of Christian and Salome (Bair)
Hatchel, and who died on July 8, 1912. Mr. Kessler and his wife
bad eleven children, nine of whom are living: Sarah, Mary, Elizabeth,
< arrie, John, Jacob, Edward, Frank, Michael, Frederick and William.
52 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Elizabeth married Gary McKay, a farmer in Rush county, and they
have four children, Mary, Nella, Dorothy and Thelma. Carrie, who
died on October 12, 1918, was the wife of Walter Melser, a farmer
in Rush county, and left two children, Mary and Robert. John, who
is a farmer in Rush county, married Berta Bebout, who died August
8, 1917, leaving two sons, Harold and Herman, the latter of whom
died February 10, 1918. Edward, who is a farmer in Walker town-
ship, Rush county, married Nora Thebold. and they have one son,
Raymond. Frank, who is also a farmer in Walker township, married
Laura Shower, and they have one child, Masella A. William, who is a
farmer in Decatur county, married a Miss Melser. Frederick, the
youngest of the family, was an overseas soldier in the World war,
a member of the second company in the sixth provisional advance
department, when he was stricken with influenza and died from
this malady, far from home and kindred. He was a member of the
Red Men. Mr. Kessler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church at Manilla. In politics he is a Republican and has always
been a useful citizen, well known over the county and a member
of the Masonic lodge at Manilla.
OSCAR APPLEGATE, a well-known farmer and stock raiser
of Noble township, is numbered among the substantial citizens of his
section of the county. Mr. Applegate was born on November 27,
1852, on the farm where he now lives, and he is a son of John and
Ann (Kerr) Applegate, the former a native of Ohio and the latter
of Fayette county, Indiana. John Applegate was brought by his
parents to Fayette county, Indiana, in his boyhood and there he
remained until 1845, when he came to Rush county, locating on the
farm now occupied by the subject of this sketch. Here, in addition
to farming the land, he followed his trade, that of a wagon, buggy
and carriage maker, in which he won considerable renown for the
high quality of his work. In 1855 he won a silver cup at Louisville,
Ky., for building the finest carriage that was exhibited there that
year. He died in 1870 and was survived many years by his widow,
whose death occurred in 1894. They were the parents of two chil-
dren, Oscar and Rhoda. Oscar Applegate received his education
in the common schools of Noble township, and after completing his
studies he remained on his father's farm and, after the deatli of the
latter, he acquired title to the place and has continued to reside there
to the present time. The farm comprises 227 acres, all in one body,
and here Mr. Applegate has been engaged in general farming and
stock raising. He puts about forty acres to corn, the same amount
to small grains and also gives some of the land over to pasturage,
keeping a herd of fifty sheep the year round. He also feeds from
fifty to sixty head of sheep annually. In 1882 Mr. Applegate was
married to Nan Blacklidge, the daughter of Martin and Augusta
Blacklidge, and they have become the parents of four children,
namely: Arnest, who married Hazel Murphy; Rhoda, who became
the wife of Clarence Khmer and they have one child, Marcellus:
Arthur and Charles are deceased. Politically, Mr. Applegate gives
earnest support to the Republican party. Personally, he is a man
J. W. ANDERSON
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 53
of many splendid qualities of character and is deservedly popular in
his community.
JOHN W. ANDERSON, better known throughout this region
as "Trim" Anderson, one of the substantial agriculturists of
Anderson township, but whose operations as a general farmer,
feeder of stock and large landowner cover an area extending into
Decatur county, was born on a farm in Richland township, Rush
county, September 29, 1869, a son of John Samuel and Priscilla
(Hopkins) Anderson, the former a native of Decatur county and
the latter of Kingston, this state. John Samuel Anderson received
only limited educational advantages, but was a youth of ambition
and industry, and when still young in years became the owner of
an extensive property, in both Decatur and Rush counties. He
moved to the latter county shortly before his death, which occurred
when he was yet a young man, in 1869, his widow surviving him
only one year. They had two children : John W., and a child who
died in infancy. John W. Anderson was an infant when left an
orphan by the death of his mother, and at that time was taken into
the home of his uncle, James W. Anderson, who furnished him with
a public school education. When he laid aside his school books
he began farming with his uncle, whose associate he was until the
time of his marriage. He then moved to the property on which
he now lives in Anderson township, his home being situated on
R. F. D. No. 1 out of Milroy. Mr. Anderson is now farming about
600 acres of the home place, and is the owner of about 1,700 acres
of land in Rush and Decatur counties. All of his property has
received the benefit of his inclination toward improvements of a
modern character, and the general prosperity which surrounds his
farms is demonstrative evidence of the presence of able and ener-
getic management. As an operator in live stock, Mr. Anderson
feeds out about 120 head of cattle each year and in the neighbor-
hood of 1,000 hogs. Politically he adheres to the principles of the
Republican party and has always supported its candidates. He is
a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Milroy and
is a member of the board of trustees of the same. On February 14,
1895, John W. Anderson married May Davis, daughter of Samuel
H. and Mary E. Davis, and to this union have been born five chil-
dren: Lois, Leland, Alice, Marjorie and John Samuel, all unmar-
ried and living with their parents. Mr. Anderson is justly ac-
counted one of the substantial men of his community, and a citizen
who has kept thoroughly informed as to current events and faith-
fully discharged all the duties pertaining to an enlightened citizen-
ship.
GEORGE B. MOORE, SR., a retired farmer of Posey township
and a well-known citizen of Rush county, was born in Posey township
on August 20, 1844, and is a son of James and Mary (Haywood)
Moore, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Tennessee. James
Moore was a farmer by vocation and for many years followed that
line of work in Posey township, where he owned eighty acres of
:>i HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
laud. He was the father of four children, John W., Martha A., both
of whom are deceased, Ileury W. aud George B. The subject of this
review received his elementary education in the Offutt school house
iu Posey township, and on the completion of his studies he devoted
his energies and activities to the home farm, working for his mother
until her death. He then bought out the interests of the other heirs
in the home farm and has since continued to make that his home,
being thus numbered among the oldest continuous residents of Posey
township. He gave his active attention to the operation of the farm
until 1902, when he retired from labor and moved to Rushville, hav-
ing rented the farm. He remained in Rushville until after the death
of his wife in 1913, when he moved back to the farm and is now living
there. On November 28, 1891, Mr. Moore was married to Lillie
Poster, a native of the state of Illinois, but who was educated in the
schools of Rushville township, this county. She was the daughter of
William and Margaret (Wheid) Poster and her union with Mr.
Moore was a most happy and congenial one. Her death occurred on
May 8, 1913, and her remains lie in the Arlington cemetery. Mr.
Moore is a member of the Christian church at Arlington, while in
politics he is a firm supporter of the Democratic party. He has
always been known as a man of excellent qualities of character, who,
by years of indefatigable labor and honest effort, not only acquired
a well-merited prosperity, but also richly earned the highest esteem
of all with whom he has been associated.
JESSE WINKLER, the progressive proprietor of a flourishing
grain elevator business at Rushville, was born in Johnson county,
Indiana, April 14, 1877, a son of George and Lorinda (Jamison)
Winkler, natives of Estill county, Kentucky. His father, an agri-
culturist by vocation, followed farming throughout his life in John-
son and Rush counties and was a man held in high respect and
esteem. There were ten children in the family, of whom six are
living: Lona, Orie, Lennie, Girtha, Delbert and Jesse. Jesse
Winkler received his education in the public schools of Henry county,
Indiana, where his boyhood was passed, and entered upon his inde-
pendent career in the capacity of a farm hand. Industrious and
thrifty, he accumulated sufficient means with which to establish
himself as a renter, and after two years was able to buy forty acres
of land, which he subsequently sold. For a number of years he
bought and sold different properties, and at one time had accumu-
lated through industry and good ability 204 acres of valuable and
well-cultivated land in Rush county, principally in Noble township.
Mr. Winkler continued to be engaged in farming until 1914, in which
year he traded his farm for the grain elevator which he now owns
at Rushville, which he operates as the Winkler Grain Company, and
which has a capacity of about 25,000 bushels. Mr. Winkler deals
in grain, coal and flour, and has built up an excellent business, his
patronage extending all over the territory surrounding Rushville.
December 9, 1900, Mr. Winkler married Laura M., daughter of Frank
and Emma (Webster) Trennepohl, farming people of Rush county.
Mrs. Winkler was born in this county and is the eldest of four ehil-
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 55
dren, the others being Raye, Opal and Francis. Four children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Winkler, Merle C, Loren and George,
who are attending school at Rushville, and Robert J. Mr. Winkler
is a member of the Odd Fellows and Red Men's lodges at Arlington
and the Elks lodge at Rushville. He is a Republican in his political
allegiance and he and Mrs. Winkler belong to the Christian church.
Mr. Winkler's operations have met with deserved success and he is
justly regarded as a thorough, reliable and progressive business man.
JOHN G. HAMMOND, a substantial landowner, real estate
dealer and retired stock buyer, of Milroy, this county, is a native son
of the neighboring county of Franklin, but has been a resident of
Rush county for about twenty years and has no cause to regret the
step which caused him to move over here, for he has done well in his
operations since coming here. He was born on a farm in Franklin
county on June 29, 1848, son of John and Charlotte (Davis) Ham-
mond, the latter of whom also was born in Indiana, a member of one
of the old families of Washington county, and both of whom spent
their last days in Franklin county. John Hammond was a Ver-
monter who left the Green Mountain state when thirty years of age
and came to Indiana, where he married and established his home in
Franklin county. He started there on a tract of "Congress land"
to which he had entered a claim and as he developed that tract added
to his holdings until he became the owner of a well improved place of
300 acres on which he and his wife spent their last days, substantial
and influential residents of the community in which they lived.
They were the parents of seven children, of whom but four are now
Jiving, the subject of this sketch having two brothers, William P. and
Robert Hammond, and a sister, Sarah. Of these children John G.
Hammond is the only one to make his home in Rush county. Reared
on the home farm in Franklin county, John G. Hammond received his
schooling in the local schools of his neighborhood and when he grew
to manhood engaged in farming and presently also became engaged
in the business of buying live stock, a business in which he continued
interested for thirty-five years, during which time he was an exten-
sive buyer of cattle and hogs throughout Franklin, Decatur and
Rush counties and of horses all over southern Indiana. In 1904 Mr.
Hammond moved to Rush county and located at Milroy, where he
since has made his home. In 1914 he abandoned the live stock busi-
ness and has since given much of his time to the sale of farm lands
and a general real estate business in which he has been quite suc-
cessful, but his chief attention is devoted to the direction of his
fine farm of 200 acres, on which, besides carrying on general farm-
ing he raises about three car loads of hogs annually. Mr. Hammond
is a Republican, has ever given considerable attention to local civic
affairs and during his residence in Franklin county served for some
time as trustee of his home township. In 1872 John G. Hammond
was united in marriage to Marie Matthews, who also was born in
Franklin county, and to this union have been born five children.
Marshall, Katie, who married Albert Ross; Ella, who married Otis
Murray and has one child, Marshall M. ; Cora, who married Scott
56 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Dawson, and Mary, who married Rex Innis and has three children,
Robert Perry, Jeannette and Esther Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Ham-
mond are members of the Methodist church and have ever taken an
interested part in church work, Mr. Hammond having served for
years as a member of the official board of the church.
ORLANDO C. MACY, a well known retired farmer of Walker
township, was born in that township, August 2, 1858, a son of
Tristram and Dorcas (Gardner) Macy, who were born in North
Carolina and were young people when they came to Rush county.
His father entered eighty acres of land from the Government and
developed this pioneer tract into a fine farm, subsequently acquiring
additional tracts and at the time of death he owned 550 acres situated
in Rush and Shelby counties. Orlando C. Macy is one of the three
survivors of a family of six children, having one brother, Erasmus
D., living in Shelby county, and another brother, Thomas B., living in
Hancock county. Orlando C. Macy attended the district school near
his father's farm in Walker township during boyhood and afterward
assisted his father at home until ready to start out for himself.
When he married he rented one of his father's farms containing
eighty acres, contracting to meet the rent problem by paying the
taxes and keeping the entire farm in repair, a contract that both
he and his father lived up to, and when his father died the farm
became his property. Until he retired and rented out the farm Mr.
Macy carried on the usual farm industries and gave much attention
to raising poultry. On October 16, 1881, he married Mary Adams,
born in Rush county, daughter of Garland B. and Flora (Miller)
Adams. The father of Mrs. Macy was born in Henry county, Indiana,
and the mother in Ohio. Mr. Adams owned a farm of eighty-five acres
in Rush county. They had three children, all now deceased. Mrs.
Macy died on March 4, 1919. On October 19, 1919, Mr. Macy
married Ella Wilson, who was born in Johnson county, Indiana,
daughter of William L. and Margaret F. (McCollum) Wilson, who
had a family of six children, John D., Mrs. Mollie Wilhelm, Mrs.
Etta Worden, Mrs. Ella Macy, Eunice and Lilly, the two youngest
being deceased. Mr. Wilson was an undertaker. Mr. Macy is a
member of the Christian Union church at Homer. In polities he is
a Republican.
L. E. DYER, superintendent of the Ripley township consoli-
dated school, is one of the younger members of the educational pro-
fession in Rush county who is making rapid strides in his calling.
Mr. Dyer was born in Greene county, Indiana, November 25, 1894, a
son of Charles F. and Delia (Breeden) Dyer, natives of that county,
and for a number of years engaged in agricultural pursuits there.
The early education of L. E. Dyer was secured in the public schools
of Worthington, Ind., and after his graduation from the high school
at that place he took a course in the Central Normal School at Dan-
ville, Ind., from which he was duly graduated. Since that time he
has done post-graduate and educational work at DePauw and Colum-
bia Universities, and one summer was instructor in agriculture in
Central Normal College. In 1917, after two years of teaching in
W. II. McMILLIN
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 57
rural schools, Mr. Dyer was appointed principal of the Carthage
high school, a capacity in which he served for two years, following
which he was appointed superintendent of the consolidated school
of Ripley township. In this position he has done much to vindicate
the faith reposed in his abilities and has brought his school up to a
high grade of educational efficiency. Under his supervision are
twelve teachers and 350 pupils, among all of whom Mr. Dyer is
popular. On September 22, 1916, Mr. Dyer married Estella Dayhoff,
who was born in Greene county, Indiana, and educated there in the
graded and high schools. Later she attended DePauw and Columbia
Universities, where she took special teacher's work. Mr. and Mrs.
Dyer are members of the Carthage Methodist Episcopal Church. In
political matters he is a Republican.
WILLIAM H. McMILLIN, former auditor of Rush county and
who for years has been regarded as one of the most substantial far-
mers and stockmen of Union township, where he is now living, was
born in this county and has lived here all his life. He was born on
a farm in Union township on Christmas day, 1866, son of John T.
and Nancy B. (Pentecost) McMillin, the latter of whom was born
in Union county, this state, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Bishop) Pentecost. Thomas Pentecost was born in Union county
in 1805, son of John and Jemima Pentecost, and his last days were
spent in Henry county. His wife was born in 1808, daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Freel) Bishop, the latter a daughter of
John and Elizabeth (Wood) Freel. William Bishop, who was a
soldier in the War of 1812, was born in Maryland, son of Robert
and Rachel Bishop, also natives of Maryland, and his last days were
spent in Preble county, Ohio. John T. McMillin was a member of
one of the pioneer families of Rush county. He was born on a farm
in Union township, in the immediate vicinity of the place on which
his son, William II. McMillin, now resides, August 30, 1831, son of
John and Susanna (McConnell) McMillin, the latter of whom was
born in what is now Brown county, Ohio, in 1800, daughter of
Thomas and Mary (Downing) McConnell, both natives of Pennsyl-
vania, of Colonial stock, the latter a daughter of John and Susan
(Ellis) Downing. Thomas McConnell was born in 1772, a son of
Arthur and Elizabeth (Wilson) McConnell and grew to manhood
in Pennsylvania, leaving there after attaining his majority for
Mason county, Kentucky, where he married Mary Downing. Not
long afterward he moved over the river into Brown county, Ohio,
and was living there when the War of 1812 broke out, He enlisted
his services and was commissioned a captain, his company becom-
ing attached to the command of General Hull and was with that
general at the time of the latter 's inglorious surrender at Ft. De-
troit. John McMillin, the Rush county pioneer and grandfather of
William II. McMillin, was born in Washington county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1793, son of Thomas and Mary (Young) McMillin, who
had come to this country from Ireland and who were the parents
of six children. When he had passed his majority John McMillin
left Pennsylvania and went to Brown county, Ohio, where in the
58 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
summer of 1824 he married Susanna McConnell and almost imme-
diately afterward he and his wife came over into Indiana and set-
tled on a farm in Union township, this county, locating on a tract of
land he previously had entered in section 13 of that township, and
there he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring on May
29, 1850. He was successful in his operations and at the time of his
death was the owner of 600 acres of land in Union township. His
widow survived him for more than thirty years, her death oceur-
ing in 1885. Reared on the home farm in Union township, John T.
McMillin continued to reside there after his marriage, farming a
portion of his father's broad acres, and in time became the owner
of a fine farm of 260 acres in section 12, besides two other farms
in the county and was accounted one of the leading farmers of the
county. "When the Rush County Agricultural Society was organ-
ized in 1857 he was one of the directors of the association and after-
ward served as president of the same and later as a member of the
executive board, his efforts in that behalf having done much to
make of the Rush county fair one of the best annual events of the
sort in Indiana during that period. He took an active interest in
the breeding of horses in the days of Rush county's supremacy in
the line of horse flesh and did much to develop the heavy draft
strain hereabout. He was a member of the Christian church, was
an elder in the same until his death, and from the days of the organ-
ization of the Republican party was a staunch Republican. John
T. McMillin was twice married. On November 25, 1852, he was
united in marriage to Sarah Buzan, daughter of Wills and Maria
(Kendall) Buzan, of Union township,, and to that union there were
born three children, Clara A., Laura B. and Sarah Belle. The
mother of these children died in January, 1857, and in November of
the following year Mr. McMillin married Nancy B. Pentecost,
whose lineage is noted in the introductory paragraph of this sketch.
To this union were born five children: Emma J. (deceased), who
was the wife of John L. Shauck; John A. (deceased); Ora M. ;
William H., and Lyda 0. William H. McMillin was reared on the
home farm in Union township and from the days of his boyhood
maintained an active interest iu the development of the place, after
his marriage continuing to farm the place in association with his
father until the latter 's death on October 3, 1900. For some time
prior to that date he also had been operating the grain elevator at
Ging's Station, which his father owned, and he continued to oper-
ate the same until in 1905, when he sold the elevator and bought
the old home place, a well improved farm of 260 acres, of which he
since has sold off an "eighty," and is now making his home there.
From the days of his boyhood Mr. McMillin has been interested in
the breeding of live stock and of late years has given his particular
attention to hogs, feeding out about 250 head a year. For years
Mr. McMillin has been regarded as one of the leaders of the Repub-
lican party in Rush county and in 1916 was elected county auditor.
During his period of public service he still maintained oversight of
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 59
his farm interests and upon the completion of his term of office
returned to the farm and has since devoted his entire attention to
the operations of the same. On October 14, 1885, William H. Mc-
Millin was united in marriage to Cora A. Bell, who also was born
in this county, daughter of Joseph and Melinda Bell, and to this
union three children have been born, namely : Edith B., who mar-
ried Walter E. Smith, and who died on April 12, 1915; Nellie J.,
who married Prank Logan and has three children, Russell W.,
Wayne and Wava; and Ruby May, who married Ross Logan, and
died on February 26, 1920, leaving one child, a son, William J.
Mr. and Mrs. McMillin are members of the Plum Creek Christian
church. Mr. McMillin was a member of the first board of trustees
of this church, has been an elder for twenty-one years and is
assistant secretary of the Sunday school. lie is a thirty-second de-
gree Mason, affiliated with the blue lodge at Rushville and the con-
sistory at Indianapolis and is also a noble of the Ancient Arabic
Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple
at Indianapolis. Mr. McMillin also is an Odd Fellow, in which
order he is a past noble grand, and is also affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias.
JAMES W. ARBUCKLE, one of the leading business men of
Homer, this county, where he is engaged in the manufacture of tile,
has spent practically his entire life in this community where he stands
high in the confidence of the residents. He was born in Orange
township, Rush county, February 23, 1867, a son of Nathan and
Martha (Lawrence) Arbuckle, natives of Rush county, where the
father followed farming and tile making all of his life. There were
three children born to the parents, all of whom survive: Fred, Ida
and James W. James W. Arbuckle obtained his early education in
the public schools of Walker township, following which he took a
preparatory course in a school connected with DePauw University.
He next attended the university, and graduated therefrom in 1892.
Mr. Arbuckle not only made a good record as a student, but was
prominently known in college athletics, being a member of the foot-
ball and baseball varsity teams in 1891 and 1892. On leaving college
he came to Homer and was employed by his father for several
months, following which he went to Windfall, Ind., and becames
superintendent of a drain tile factory of that place. After one year
he returned to Homer and began teaching school, and after one year
was made principal, a position which he retained two years more.
He then rejoined his father in the manufacture of drain tile at
Homer, which has a capacity of one carload of tile per day, in the
production of which four kilns are used and employment is given to
twelve persons. In 1908 Mr. Arbuckle and his father built a tile
factory at Williamstown, on the southern border of the county, which
is operated under the same management. The business is now a
flourishing one, and Mr. Arbuckle is numbered among the substan-
tial men of his commmunity, being likewise known as a man of sound
business judgment and keen foresight. He is a member of the
60 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Masonic lodge at Manilla, a thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner,
and holds membership also in the lodges of the Improved Order of Red
Men and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Homer; and
Elks Lodge, No. 1307, of Rushville. "With his family, he belongs to
the Homer Baptist church. His political support is given to the
Democratic party. On April 7, 1892, Mr. Arbuckle was united in
marriage to Julia Robertson, who was born and educated at Homer,
daughter of James T. and Delilah (Cassady) Robertson. Mr. and
Mrs. Arbuckle have one daughter: Ruth, born in March, 1894, a
graduate of Shortridge high school, Indianapolis, now the wife of
Harry M. Carr, of Indianapolis, with two children, Virginia R. and
William H.
HARRY F. McFATRIDGE, the well knowTi farmer whose name
forms the caption to these paragraphs, was born in Posey township,
this county, on October 11, 1883, and is the son of James W. and
Jessie (Conaway) McFatridge, both of whom also were born, reared
and educated in that same township. The father followed agricul-
tural pursuits all his active years in Posey township, operating the
land now owned by the subject, and at the time of his death he was
the owner of 200 acres of good farm land. To him and his wife were
born five children: Fred, Charles, Golda, Evelina and Harry. The
subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools
of his native township, attending the Beaver Meadow school. From
his boyhood days he followed farming and remained on the home
place up to the time of his marriage. He then started out on his
own account, buying eighty acres of land adjoining the home farm,
and thereafter he devoted himself to the operation of both farms.
Mr. McFatridge carries on general farming operations, raising all
the crops common to this section of the country, and also gives some
attention to live stock, feeding about 200 head of hogs annually. On
June 23, 1913, Mr. McFatridge was married to Anurice Tarbet, who
was born, reared and educated in Rush county, the daughter of John
and Mary (Scott) Tarbet, both natives of Rush county. Of the six
children who were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tarbet, four are living.
Anna, Charles, Anurice and James. Mr. and Mrs. McFatridge are
the parents of three children, James, "Wesley and Ralph. Mr. McFat-
ridge is a wide-awake, progressive man, keeping in close touch witli
the trend of public affairs, and gives his support to every movement
for the general welfare. He is a good business man and has made a
success of his vocation. In addition to his local farm holdings, he
is the owner of 200 acres of land in Perkins county, South Dakota,
which is mainly devoted to the raising of wheat. Mr. McFatridge
gives his support to the Republican party and he and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Arlington.
NOAH E. PRICE, a representative of one of the early families
in Rush county and owner of a well improved farm eligibly located
in Posey township, was born in that township on May 23, 1882, and
is the son of Elihu and Mary (Reddick) Price, who are represented
elsewhere in this work. Mr. Price received his educational training
in district school, No. 2, Posey township, and after completing his
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 61
schooling devoted himself to work on the home farm, where he
remained until his marriage. He then rented the farm from his
father and has continued to operate it to the present time. The farm
comprises 230 acres of fine land, on which Mr. Price carries on a
diversified system of farming, raising all the crops common to this
locality, and he also gives some attention to live stock, raising about
two carloads of hogs annually. He is thoroughly up-to-date in his
methods and is numbered among the progressive farmers of Posey
township. On January 22, 1904, Mr. Price was married to Laura
Abercrombie, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, the daugh-
ter of Joseph and Mary (Thatcher) Abercrombie, both of whom also
were born and reared in Franklin county. Mr. Abercrombie followed
farming during the greater portion of his life, being the owner of
100 acres of land. To him and his wife were born six children, four
of whom are living, Louis, Laura, Harry and Eugene. Mr. and Mrs.
Price have had two children, Donald L., born on May 10, 1907, and
Mary, who died in infancy. Mr. Price gives his support to the
Democratic party. He is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington, and also belongs to
the encampment. He is public spirited and lends his support to any
cause that has for its ultimate object the betterment of his locality in
material, civic and moral lines. Mrs. Price is a member of the
Methodist church at Arlington.
LOWELL M. GREEN, M. D., one of the best known members
of the medical profession at Rushville, was born in that city on
April 15, 1882, a son of Hon. Thomas M. Green, who was also a
native of this county, born at Milroy, on September 16, 1853.
Thomas M. Green was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McKee)
Green, residents of Rushville, and lived upon a farm in this county
until he was eighteen years of age, when he was matriculated at In-
diana State University. At this institution he pursued his studies
for two years, then entering as a student the law office of John A.
Holman, at Indianapolis. Ill health forced him to return to the
farm in Rush county after eighteen months spent in preparation for
the legal profession, but in a few months he once more attempted
his chosen calling. He was admitted to the Rush county bar, and
entered the office of Sleeth & Study, but the condition of his health
forbade his continuance as a lawyer, and in two years he was com-
pelled to give up his cherished ambition. He accordingly inter-
ested himself in the stove and tinware business, in 1870 forming a
partnership with M. C. Kitchen, which lasted for four years. In
1886 Mr. Green was elected on the Republican ticket as representa-
tive from Rush county to the state legislature. Thomas M. Green
was married on June 5, 1879, to Anna D. Foxworthy, daughter of
James II. and Cynthia A. (Barrett) Foxworthy, natives of Rush
county, and they became the parents of four children: Paul D.,
Lowell M., Myron R. and Alma M. Lowell M. Green received his
preliminary schooling in the public schools of Rushville and was
graduated from the high school with the class of 1S99. He then
62 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
attended Indiana University for two years, taking the pre-medical
course, and thereafter took a four-years course at Indiana Medical
College, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in
1906. Upon receiving his diploma Doctor Green began the practice
of his profession in Indianapolis, but in the fall of that same year
returned to Rushville where he opened an office, and has there
continued in practice. On July 19, 1917, Doctor Green volunteered
for service in the World war and was commissioned a first lieuten-
ant in the Fourth regiment (infantry) of the Indiana National
Guard. He recruited a medical unit of thirty-three men, thirty-one
of whom were residents of Rush county, and on August 5, 1917, this
unit was mustered into the Federal service as the Infirmary of the
One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Field Artillery. After a month's
training at Camp "Wolfe, Rushville, the company was ordered to
Fort Benjamin Harrison, at Indianapolis, and on September 28,
1917, was sent to Camp Shelby, Hattiesburg, Miss. After months
of training and weary waiting, the division of which this unit was
a part was sent overseas to France. Returning to this country in
the spring of 1919 the organization was discharged. Doctor Green
was discharged from the service on January 20, 1919, with the rank
of captain in the Medical Corps, United States Army. Doctor
Green is a member of Rush Post, No. 150, American Legion, and
was chairman of the first executive committee of that patriotic or-
ganization. He is a life member of the American Red Cross and
a member of the Rush County Medical Society, the Sixth District
Medical Society, the Union District Medical Society, the Indiana
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He
is a thirty-second degree Mason, affiliated with Phoenix Lodge,
No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, at Rushville ; Rush Chapter, No.
24, Royal Arch Masons; Rush Council, No. 41, Royal and Select
Masters, and Rushville Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar, and
with the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis,
and is a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple at Indianapolis. He is a
member of the college fraternities Beta Theta Pi and Phi Chi and
is likewise affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Beuevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He is a Republican and he and his wife are members of the United
Presbyterian church. On September 15, 1910, Dr. Lowell M. Green
was united in marriage to Maud B. Fargo, an alumnus of DePauw
University and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis W. Fargo, natives
of Virginia, and to this union two children have been born, both
sons, Thomas M. Green, Jr., and Lowell M. Green, Jr.
H. E. DAUBENSPECK, one of those farmers of Rush county
whose success is directly attributable to astute and careful manage-
ment, conducts large farming operations in Union township from his
home in Rushville. He was born on September 20, 1858, in Union
township, the son of Harvey and Margaret (Hinchman) Dauben-
speck, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of Rush county.
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 63
Harvey Daubenspeck came to this county on September 12, 1827,
when two years of age, with his father Jacob, who entered and bought
land in Union township, farming and trading throughout his entire
life. He was an intensely religious man, was a preacher in the
Christian church, and was one of the founders of Ben Davis Creek
Church. At one time during his life he owned about 700 acres in this
county and died full of honor and years at the advanced age of
ninetj r -seven. Harvey Daubenspeck received his education in the
public schools of the township, and grew to manhood on his father's
farm. He then rented land from his father and began farming for
himself, and in 1849 he bought 160 acres in Union township where
he lived until 1865. At that time he bought an additional 160 acres
in the same section, to which he moved. Here he continued success-
fully, acquiring in all 510 acres, all in Union township, before death
called him in 1918 at the age of ninety-two years. He was one of the
most extensive stock raisers of the county, feeding out all his own
grain and buying other, feeding out as an approximate average 200
head of hogs and from fifty to seventy-five of cattle. He and his
wife were the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are now living,
those besides the subject of this sketch being Emely, widow of O. M.
Smith, who lives at the corner of Ninth and Harrison streets in
Rushville; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Anthony Kline; Rebecca, now Mrs.
James M. Smith, of Union township, this county ; Jacob C, who lives
in Idaho ; Effie, now Mrs. A. C. Haskett, of Union township ; Philip
S., who is farming the home place in Union township; Iva, who is
making her home with Mrs. A. C. Haskett, and Miles of Fayette
county. H. E. Daubenspeck was educated in the schools at Glenwood
and upon leaving school he farmed with his father until he was
able to buy eighty acres from him. Since then he has steadily added
to his possessions until he now owns 605 acres, all in Union township.
He has done a general farming and stock raising business, and on
the home place of 2S5 acres, which he has greatly improved by the
addition of modern buildings and equipment, he would feed out about
600 head of hogs and thirty of cattle. On February 21, 1883, he was
married to Jessie Blackledge, a daughter of Clinton and America
(Amos) Blackledge, and their union has been blessed with four
children: Clarence, Paul, Ruby, and Wayne. Clarence married
Laura Ging and has two children, Veril and Mary Ella. Paul mar-
ried Hazel Hinchman and has two children, Robert and Marion.
Ruby married Ernest Staida and has two children, June and Edgar
Neal. Wayne is unmarried and lives at home with his parents. Mr.
Daubenspeck has been one of the most earnest workers in the cause
of the Christian church, and has held nearly all the lay offices,
being now an elder. He is an ardent frateraalist, being a thirty-
second degree Mason and a member of the Shrine, Murat Temple,
Indianapolis, a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. The principles of the Republican party coin-
cide most nearly with his own political views, and he is consequently
counted among its supporters, taking an active interest in all ques-
tions both local and national.
64 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
CHARLES HUGO, one of Rushville 's retired citizens, was born
in Switzerland county, Indiana, August 1, 1849, the son of Charles
and Charlotte (Banza) Hugo, both of whom came to this country
from Germany prior to their marriage, settling in Cincinnati. Charles
Hugo, Sr., worked in that city at his trade of plasterer for some
time, moving to Vevay, Ind., where he continued in the same occu-
pation. About the year 1855, he removed to Indianapolis where he
remained until his death, which occurred in 1861. He and his wife
were the parents of six children, of whom two are now living, Charles
Hugo having a sister, Sophia, who married T. W. Brown and resides
in Indianapolis. Charles Hugo, Jr., received his education in the
excellent schools of Indianapolis, and when he finished took up
teaming which he followed during the war. He then was engaged
in carpentering and later was employed as a fireman on a switch
engine on the Pan Handle route until 1S73. He next was a member
of the Indianapolis fire department for three years. Thereafter, he
spent five years in the South, near San Antonio, Tex., but in 1882
he came to Rushville where he has since resided. For twenty-five
years he was engaged actively in business in this city, at the end of
that period selling out his business and retiring. He realized that a
safe investment lay in land, and he put part of his earnings into a
farm of 246 acres which lies in Jackson and Rushville townships,
this county. He has greatly improved this property, taking great
pride in the general appearance of his buildings and equipment. Mr.
Hugo was married in 1886 to Emma Posey, a daughter of Harrison
and Sarah (Gardner) Posey, and after her death married Fannie
Posey, her sister. Mr. Hugo adheres to the tenets of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in the cause of which he is an earnest worker, and
in his political views is known as one of the strong supporters of the
Republican party. Mrs. Hugo's father, Harrison Posey, was born
in this county in 1825, a son of Armstead and Catherine (Miller)
Posey, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio, who
were married in the latter state and in the early '20s of the past
century came to Indiana, locating in this county where they spent
the remainder of their lives. Armstead Posey and his wife were the
parents of nine children: Alfred, Louise, Eliza, Susan, May, "William.
John, Harrison, and one who died in infancy. Armstead Posey's
father, Zephaniah Posey, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war,
spent his last days in this county, dying in 1826, and was buried
in Hopewell cemetery. Harrison Posey grew up to the life of the
farm in this county and became a successful farmer, at the time of
his death being the owner of 400 acres in Rushville township. Har-
rison Posey's wife, Sarah Jane Gardner, was the daughter of Landon
and Mary Gardner, the former one of the early farmers of Walker
township, the owner of 900 acres of land. He was a Kentuckian by
birth, and he and his wife were the parents of nine children, those
besides Mrs. Posey having been Mary Ann, William, Amanda, Marion
F., Robert, Emily, Louisa and Lucinda. Harrison Posey and wife
had eight children, those besides Emma and Fannie being William
A., Mrs. Louisa Wertz, James K. and Mrs. Minnie Moffett.
XATIIAX WEEKS
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 65
HON. NATHAN WEEKS, an honored veteran of the Civil
war, who died at his home in Rushville in the spring of 1911 while
serving as representative from this legislative district in the lower
house of the Indiana General Assembly and who had previously
rendered service in the public behalf as treasurer of Rush county,
left a good memory and in the memorial annals of Rush county
there are few names held in better remembrance than his. Mr.
Weeks was a native Hoosier, a fact of which he never ceased to be
proud, and ever held the interests of the state close to heart.
Though but an adopted son of Rush county, for he was not born
here, he entered at once upon taking up his residence here into the
spirit of things and ever took an earnest and active interest in
public affairs, promoting in such ways as he could the cause of
good citizenship and better local government. Upon the outbreak
of the Civil war he enlisted his services in behalf of the cause of the
Union and in the battle of Shiloh received a wound from the effects
of which he suffered all the rest of his life. Mr. Weeks was born
on a farm in the neighboring county of Henry on March 19, 1841,
son of Benjamin and Winnie Weeks, who spent their last days in
that county and of whose children Nathan Weeks was the only one
to take up his residence in Rush county. Reared on a farm in
Henry county, Nathan Weeks received his schooling in the schools
of that county and as a young man learned the trade of harness
making, presently becoming engaged in that business on his own
behalf in the village of Greensboro in his home county, later estab-
lishing a buggy shop in that same village. When the Civil war
broke out he enlisted his services and went to the front as a member
of D Company, Thirty-sixth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry,
and was serving with that command when at the battle of Shiloh
he received a serious wound and was invalided home as unfitted for
further military service and was presently given his honorable dis-
charge on account of incapacity due to this wound. He continued
operating his harness-making and buggy shop at Greensboro until
in the early '70s, when he came down into Rush couuty and opened
a retail meat shop at Carthage, his first experience in that line.
This initial experience convinced Mr. Weeks that he had a certain
natural capacity for that business and he presently moved to Rush-
ville, seeking a larger market, and opened a butcher shop in that
city. He was a Republican and from the beginning of his residence
here had taken an active interest in political affairs and presently
was elected treasurer of the county. Upon entering the treasurer's
office he discontinued his retail meat business and upon the com-
pletion of his four years' term of service in the court house bought
a farm of 280 acres in the vicinity of Rushville and there estab-
lished his home, operating the farm thereafter until his death on
May 29, 1911. In the election of 1910 Mr. Weeks was elected rep-
resentative from this district to the Indiana legislature and was
serving in that honorable capacity at the time of his death. As
5
66 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
noted above Mr. Weeks was a Republican and was for years recog-
nized as one of the able leaders of that party in Rush county. He
was a member of the Methodist church, an active member of the
local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and was also affili-
ated with the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and of the Knights of Pythias, in the affairs of which several or-
ganizations he ever took a warm interest. In 1865 Nathan Weeks
was united in marriage to Martha Macy, of Henry county, daugh-
ter of Lorenzo and Rachel Macy, and who survives him, and to that
union were born three children, two sons and a daughter, Ulysses,
George and Ella, all of whom are dead except the latter, who is
unmarried, continuing to make her home with her mother at Rush-
ville. Mrs. Weeks is a member of the Methodist church, as was her
late husband, and has ever taken an earnest interest in the work
of the church as well as in all proper movements having to do with
the betterment of conditions in her home community.
ORIN P. WAMSLEY, proprietor of the Hotel Scanlan at Rush-
ville, president of the Hotel Keepers' Association of Indiana and one
of the best known hotel keepers in the country, is a native son of
Rush county and has done much in his way to reflect credit upon
the place of his birth, his popularity among the leaders of his calling
in Indiana culminating in his election in 1920 to the responsible
position of administrative head of the state association to which he
had long given his earnest and helpful attention; a fitting recogni-
tion of his managerial ability as well as an unsought testimonial of
the high esteem in which his associates hold him. Barring a period
of several j r ears during which he lived in Indianapolis gaining val-
uable experience in the hotel business Mr. Wamsley has always lived
in this county and his acquaintance is county wide, even as it is
state-wide among hotel men. He was born at the pleasant old village
of New Salem in Noble township on May 26, 1882, a twin, but was
bereft by death of his mate, Earl, when eight weeks old. He is a son
of William C. and Eliza A. (Boling) Wamsley, the former of whom is
still living, connected with the management of the Hotel Scanlan
and familiarly and lovingly known as "Dad" to hundreds of trav-
eling men throughout the middle West who make Rushville on their
rounds and whose favorite stopping place there is the Scanlan.
William C. Wamsley is a native of the old Buckeye state, but has
been a resident of Indiana and of Rush county since the days of his
boyhood and there are few men in this county who are better known
then he. He was born at Oxford, Ohio, September 4, 1847, son of
William B. and Mary (Ingram) Wamsley, the latter of whom was
born in the state of New Jersey. William B. Wamsley was born in
Boone county, Kentucky, son of George W. Wamsley and wife, pio-
neers of that county, who later came across the river and settled in
Hamilton county, where George W. Wamsley was killed by a log
falling upon him and crushing his head during a pioneer "barn
raising" in the neighborhood in which he lived. William B. Wamsley
grew to manhood in Hamilton county and after his marriage located
at Oxford, in Butler county, whence he presently moved to Cincin-
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY (17
nati and was serving as sheriff of Hamilton county at the time of
his death there in 1851. His widow survived him but a few months,
dying in 1852, leaving four children, William C. Wamsley having had
three sisters (all now deceased), namely: Amelia, who married John
Plough, of Rush county, and had five children, all of whom are now
deceased save Mrs. Robert Downing, of Detroit, Mich.; Mary Eliza,
Avho married John Mitchell, of Decatur county, this state, and hat)
two children, Edward, who made his home in Decatur county, and
Minnie, who married Newton Casey, of Rush county and died leaving
two children, one of whom, Edward, of Decatur county, is still
living, and Elizabeth, who married William F. Rhinehart, of this
county, who died in Grant county leaving six children, all of whom
are living, though none is a resident of this community, some of them
living in Grant county and others in Oklahoma. Bereft of his
parents when but a small child, William C. Wamsley was taken care
of by his maternal grandparents who were then living in Dearborn
county, this state, for three years and thereafter by others until he
was thirteen years of age when, his eldest sister meanwhile having
married, he joined her at Richland in this county, and was living here
when the Civil war broke out. Though but thirteen years of age he
volunteered his services to go to the front as a soldier. This patriotic
offer was promptly rejected by the recruiting officers but the lad
was bound to get into the war some way and he presently succeeded
in entering the service of the Government as a horse boy to help in
the work of moving cavalry horses from Indiana to points needed in
the army, and in this capacity he served for two years and two
months. Upon the completion of this service he rejoined the family
of his sister at Richland and for awhile was engaged there in farm
work, but presently (in 1872) opened a harness shop at Richland.
In the following year he moved his shop to New Salem, where he
established his home after his marriage in 1875, and was there en-
gaged in business when in February, 1877, his establishment was
destroyed by fire, entailing a complete loss of his business and more
than $1,000 in cash which he happened to have on hand at the time.
After this fire Mr. Wamsley resumed farming for a time and then
took up the trade of carpenter and continued thus engaged, building
in and about New Salem, until his retirement in 1913 and removal
to Rushville to enter upon his present connection with the manage-
ment of the Hotel Scanlan, of which popular old hostelry his son.
Pearl, meanwhile had become the proprietor. It was on February
17, 1S75, that William C. Wamsley was united in marriage to Elizn
A. Boling, who was born in Anderson township, this county, July
12, 1854, daughter of Gordon and Sarah (Trees) Boling, both mem-
bers of pioneer families in this region, the former born in 1817 and
the latter in 1818. Mrs. Eliza Boling Wamsley died on January 6,
1898. By her union with William C. Wamsley three sons were born,
Charles W. and the twins, Pearl and Earl, mentioned above. Charles
W. Wamsley was born on September 27, 1876, and has always lived
at New Salem, where he is now engaged as a rural mail carrier, a
position he has occupied for years, he and his wife, who was Estella
68 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Geise, who also was born in this county, having a pleasant home
there. 0. P. Wamsley spent his boyhood at New Salem, where he
was born, received his schooling there and remained there until he
was sixteen years of age, when he went to Rushville and became
connected with the old Grand hotel, learning there the rudiments
of the business in which he has since achieved a distinctive success.
Not long afterward he left Rushville and went to Indianapolis, where
he further extended his hotel experience and where he was married,
continuing to reside there save for a brief period spent at Conners-
ville, until 1912 when he returned to Rushville and took over the
management of the Windsor hotel. In the next year (1913) he
became the proprietor of the Hotel Scanlan and has since been very
successfully conducting that popular old hostelry. Mr. Wamsley
has for years taken an active interest in the affairs of the Indiana
Hotel Keepers' Association and in 1920 was elected president of the
association. He and Mrs. Wamsley and "Dad" give their personal
attention to the operation of the Scanlan and thus have imparted to
it that delightful ' ' home ' ' atmosphere that has made it so widely and
popularly known among the traveling men who make this region.
The Scanlan 's dining room has a justly wide reputation, the cuisine
commending itself to all who enjoy that rarest of features about the
modern hotel known as "home cooking" and which is found at the
Scanlan in its highest development. On May 6, 1906, 0. P. Wamsley
was united in marriage to Nelle G. McKee, who also was born in
Rush county, daughter of Charles and Catherine (Simonson) McKee,
members of old families in this region, and further mention of whom
is made elsewhere in this volume, and to this union two children have
been born, Charles William Gordon, born at Indianapolis, who died
at the age of five years, and Catherine, born on December 12, 1912.
Mr. Wamsley is a Republican, as is his father. The latter is a
member of the local lodge of the Red Men, and of the Pocahontas.
0. P. Wamsley is chancellor commander of the local lodge of the
Knights of Pythias and chaplain of the uniform rank of that order.
Mrs. Wamsley is excellent junior of the local lodge of the Pythian
Sisters and both take an active interest in lodge affairs. They are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Wamsley is
leader of the choir in the same. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Wamsley
had been for some time engaged as a teacher in the schools of Rush
county.
AUGUST GAHIMER, farmer and thresher in Walker township,
was born in Orange township, this county, February 20, 1871, a son
of William and Kate (Leatherman) Gahimer. Both parents were
born and reared in Rush county and the father has been a prosperous
farmer here for many years, now owning 414 acres of good land.
His children are August, Julius, George and John. August Gahimer
attended the public schools in Orange township, assisted his father
on the home place and all his life has been engaged in farm pursuits.
Following his marriage he began farming for himself on a fifty-acre
tract belonging to his father, and still lives on the same, paying grain
rent. Mr. Gahimer is a thorough-going farmer, keeps everything iu
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 69
good order and raises grain and as much stock as the place will
support. He also owns and operates a threshing outfit. On August
18, 1895, he married Maggie Hauck, who was born in Shelby county,
Indiana, a daughter of Peter and Kate (Henry) Hauck. The parents
of Mrs. Gahimer were born in Germany and were young when they
accompanied their respective parents to the United States. Mr.
Hauck was a cooper by trade and had a shop at Blue Ridge, Shelby
eounty. Of his family of seven children four are living, Prank, Kate,
Rose and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Gahimer have one child, Goldie E.,
who is the wife of Albert Lestenberger, a farmer in Shelby county.
They have two children, Lawrence E. and Leland A. Mr. Gahimer
and family are members of the Christian church at Manilla. He has
always voted with the Democratic party.
CHARLES H. KELSO, former member of the board of county
commissioners, one of the best known and most highly esteemed
citizens of Rush county, a venerable retired farmer of Richland
township, who has done his full share in the development of his
section of the county, which he has honored by his citizenship for
more than a half century, has ever given his support to all measures
for the public good and his name has been synonymous with hon-
orable dealings in all the relations of life. Mr. Kelso is descended
from an old pioneer family of Indiana, the Kelsos having located in
Dearborn county as early as 1812, Kelso township in that county
having been named in honor of this family, particularly for John
Kelso, the subject's paternal grandfather. The subject's parents
were Henry and Catherine (Carroll) Kelso, the former a native of
Dearborn county and the latter born in Ireland. Henry Kelso was
reared to manhood, secured his education and was married in Dear-
born county. He followed farming and remained in that county
until a few years prior to his death, from which time he made his
home with his son, Charles II. He was a farmer during all his
active yeai*s, owning forty acres of land. He and his good wife
died practically at the same time and were buried on the same day.
They were the parents of eight children, of which number four are
now living, Hester, Elizabeth, Mary and Charles II. Charles H.
Kelso received his educational training in the common schools of
Dearborn county and soon after completing his studies he enlisted
in defense of his country, becoming a private in Company H,
Eighty-third regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which became
a part of the Fifteenth corps of the Army of the Tennessee. Mr.
Kelso took part in many of the stirring campaigns and hotly-con-
tested battles of that great struggle, in which he served nearly
three years, being in the battles of Chickasaw Bluff, Arkansas
Post, Vicksburg, Jackson, Missionary Ridge and other noted bat-
tles, and then was captured at Atlanta, Ga., and was confined in
the notorious prison pens at Florence and Andersonville from
August 1, 1864, to December. 1865. On his release, he received an
honorable discharge and returned home. During the following two
years Mr. Kelso was engaged in teaching school in Dearborn
70 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
county, but in 1867 he came to Rush county and for a time was em-
ployed as a farm hand. He then rented farm land, which he oper-
ated up to 1884, when he bought the place on which he now lives,
his first purchase comprising eighty acres, to which he later added
until his holdings now amount to 142 acres, in Richland township.
He here carried on general farming and stock raising up to the
time of his retirement in 1915, since when he has rested from his
labors in quiet enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, his farm
being now rented. Charles H. Kelso was married to Mary E. King,
the daughter of Charles and Alvira King, and they had ten chil-
dren, seven of whom are now living, namely : Kenneth, who mar-
ried Ella Barber and has two children, Fred and William ; Fred,
who married Jessie Krammes, and has three children, Lewis, Max
E. and Louise; Charles, who married Catherine McKee and has one
child, Mary Alice; Seth C, who married Mrs. Effie Hill and has
one child, Easter Mary ; James P., who married Ethel Simonson and
has two children, Celia and Elmer; John M„ who married Cornelia
Inman; Thomas G., who married Blanche Hildreth and has three
children, Carter, Alma and Hubert, and Rayburn, who married
Amy Harget and has one child, Robert Charles. Mr. Kelso has
been a life-long supporter of the Republican party. He is a mem-
ber of the Free and Accepted Masons and of the Grand Army of
the Republic. He and his wife are earnest members of the Chris-
tian church, at Andersonville, of which Mr. Kelso is an elder. Quiet
and unassuming in disposition, Mr. Kelso's life of over a half cen-
tury in this community has been such as to gain for him the univer-
sal confidence and esteem of all who know him. In 1904 he was
elected a member of the board of county commissioners from his
district and by re-election served the public in that important
capacity until 1911.
CHARLES G. CARNEY, one of the substantial farmers of
Noble township and a worthy representative of one of the highly
honored families of this county, is a native of this locality, having
been born in Rushville on July 26, 1881, and is the son of H. S. and
Eva G. (Downey) Carney, the former a native of Ripley county.
Indiana, and the latter born and reared in Noble township, this
county. H. S. Carney was brought by his parents to Rush county
in his young boyhood, and was here reared and educated, and here
lie and his wife spent their lives, the mother dying on October 30.
1920. Mr. Carney was a veteran of the Civil war, having served
his country for four years as a member of the Fifty-second regiment,
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. They became the parents of three chil-
dren, those besides the subject of this sketch being Harriet, Ellen and
Zora. Charles G. Carney received a good practical education in
the common schools of Noble township, and after the completion of
his studies he remained with his father on the home farm until his
marriage, when he began farming on his own account on the place
where he now lives. At the same time he rented 115 acres of land
from his father, and has increased this until at present he is farming
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 71
about 300 acres. Energetic, discriminating and of sound judgment,
Mr. Carney has proven himself a man of more than ordinary caliber
and is numbered among the successful farmers of Noble township.
He keeps his place well improved and attractive and its genera)
appearance reflects great credit on him. He puts in about 120 acres
to corn and practically the same amount to small grain, and also
gives some attention to live stock, feeding out about 100 head of hogs
a year. In 1902 Mr. Carney was married to Grace Wilson, the
daughter of Edward and Florence Wilson, and they are the parents
of three children: Dwight W., Florence 6. and H. S., Jr. Mr. and
Mrs. Carney are active members of the Little Flat Rock Christian
Church. Fraternally, Mr. Carney is a member of the Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, while his political affiliations are with the Republi-
cans. A man of strong and forceful individuality, Mr. Carney has
stood at all times for the best interests of his community and enjoys
the respect and confidence of the entire community.
JACOB II. KNEY, a well known general farmer in Walker
township, was born in that township on June 19, 1864, a son of
Michael and Margaret (Wissing) Kney. His parents were born in
Germany and both came to the United States when young. Of their
family of seven children the following are living: Minnie, Louise.
Emma, Rosa and Jacob H. Jacob II. Kney lived on the home farm
until his marriage, attending district school No. 5 in boyhood and
afterward helping his father with the farm industries. After mar-
riage Mr. Kney rented land from his father and operated it for
himself, and when his father died he inherited forty acres. Shortly
afterward he bought the forty acres adjoining and since then has
added until he now has 100 acres of fine land. He carries on general
farming and raises some stock. 'September 27, 1888, Mr. Kney mar-
ried Ella Branson, born in Shelby county, daughter of James B.
and Elizabeth Branson. The father of Mrs. Kney was born in
South Carolina and the mother in Kentucky. They had nine chil-
dren, five of whom are living: Robert, Lawrence, Augusta, Anna
and Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Kney have two children : Earl and Lavanche.
The family are members of the Christian church at Manilla. In
politics Mr. Kney is a Democrat.
CHARLES H. HARTON, who for thirty years or more has been
engaged in business at Milroy, proprietor of a grocery and notion
store, has been a resident of Rush county all his life. He was bore
on a farm in Richland township on July 27, 1866, son of Joseph and
Emily (Brooks) Harton, both of whom also were born in this county,
members of pioneer families, and who were the parents of nine chil-
dren, six of whom are still living, those besides the subject of this
sketch being W. E., O. M., Margaret, Ida and Ollie. Reared on the
home farm in Rushville and Anderson townships, Charles H. Harton
received his schooling in the excellent schools of his home neighbor-
hood and during the days of his boyhood was a valued assistant to
his father in the labors of the farm. He became familiar with the
butcher business and as a young man went to Rushville, where for
two years he worked as a butcher. He then took up the confectionery
72 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
line there and after a year in that line of trade located at Milroy.
where he opened a confectionery store and also put in a small stock
of groceries. That was about 1890. The business grew and in 1905
Mr. Harton bought the building in which he is now located, put in a
larger stock of groceries, adding to his line a stock of general notions,
and has since been engaged in business at that location and has done
well, long having been recognized as one of the leading merchants of
Milroy. His store room is 28 by 70 feet in dimensions and be carries
a complete and well selected stock in the two lines. In 1892 Charles
H. Harton was united in marriage to Myrtle Mausfield, who also
was born in this county, daughter of Prank Mansfield, and to this
union one child has been born, a son, Russell Harton, who married
Leona Thomas. Mr. Harton is a Republican and takes a proper
interest in local political affairs. In his fraternal relations he is a
member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have ever
taken an interested part in the work of the church, Mr. Harton
being a member of the board of stewards of the same.
JACOB F. DOWNEY, cashier of the Arlington Bank, at Arling-
ton, is a native son of Rush county, having been born in December
15, 1859, and is the son of James H. and Lucinda L. (Price) Downey,
both of whom were also born and reared in Rush county. The sub-
ject's paternal grandfather, Jacob Downey, was a native of Ken-
tucky, but in an early day came to Rush county and entered land
in what is now known as Jackson township. On this tract of eighty
acres he established a comfortable home and there he reared his
family of seven children, two sons and five daughters: William.
James H., Sarah, Mary, Elizabeth, Deborah and Rebecca. James H.
Downey was educated in the Concord school of Jackson township and
thereafter for some years he was successfully engaged in teaching
school. Later he devoted his attention to farming, mostly in Posey
township, where he owned 100 acres of land. To him and his wife
were born two sons, John P. and Jacob F. Jacob F. Downey secured
his elementary education in the common schools of Posey township,
attending in districts Nos. 2 and 5, and then attended the norma!
school at Carthage, walking six miles every morning and evening in
order to secure this higher training. After completing his studies.
Mr. Downey engaged in teaching school, and followed that vocation
for sixteen years, fifteen years in Posey township and one year in
Jackson township. During this same period Mr. Downey was also
engaged in farming, cultivating his land during the summer seasons
and teaching during the winter months. After he quit teaching he
farmed and followed the carpenter trade for about ten years, when
he was selected for the position of cashier of the Ai-lington Bank, of
which he is still the incumbent. The Arlington Bank has been an
influential factor in the business prosperity of this section of Rush
county. Mr. Downey is the owner of 230 acres of land in Posey
township. On September 27, 1882, Mr. Downey was married to Mary
I. Collins, who was born in Posey township, the daughter of William
and Martha (Bentley) Collins. Mr. Collins was a successful farmer
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FI5AXK McCORKLE
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 73
in Posey township, where he owned 123 acres of land. He and his
wife became the parents of four children, namely: Eli B., Mary I..
Mrs. Downey, and Omer, who died at the age of eighteen years. To
Mr. and Mrs. Downey have been born three children, Clarence E..
who is a bookkeeper in the Arlington Bank and also operates a part
of the home farm, married Golda Hank and they have two children :
Helen and Buford C. ; Blanche became the wife of George J. Carwein,
a farmer in Posey township, and they have three children: Cedric
L., Carl D. and Lois R. ; Forest G., who is discount clerk in the
Indiana National Bank at Indianapolis, Indiana, married Hazel Field
and they have one child, Frederick G. Forest is a veteran of the
World war, having served a year, ten months of that time overseas,
as a member of the band of the Three Hundred and Ninth Engineers.
Mr. Downey is an active member of the Christian church at Arlington
and in politics he maintains an independent attitude, preferring to
vote for the men and measures which most nearly meet with his
approval. Personally, he is genial and companionable and enjoys a
large following of warm and loyal friends.
FRANK McCORKLE, trustee of Anderson township, a sub-
stantial landowner of this county and the local agent for the sale
of the Ford automobiles at Milroy, at which place he has made his
home since retiring from the active labors of the farm about ten
years ago, is recognized as one of the "live wires" of that section
of Rush county and during the period of his incumbency as town-
ship trustee has been, able to do much in the way of advancing
public improvements thereabout. Mr. McCorkle is a native son of
Anderson township and has lived there all his life. He was born
on a farm in the vicinity of Milroy on October 22, 1877, son of
John H. and Mary (Young) McCorkle, both of whom also were
born in this county, members of pioneer families, and who for the
past three or four years have been living retired at Milroy. John
H. McCorkle is a son of John and Jane (Howe) McCorkle, both
of whom were born in Fleming county, Kentucky, who located on
a farm in Anderson township, this county, shortly after their mar-
riage and here spent the remainder of their days, John McCorkle
dying on January 16, 1S50. His widow survived him for years and
continued to maintain the farm home, directing the operations of
the farm with skill and energy. John McCorkle was the son of
Joseph and Hannah (Scott) McCorkle, both natives of Kentucky,
the former of whom was the son of James McCorkle, a native of
Scotland, who had come to this country in colonial days and upon
the outbreak of the Revolutionary war had joined his forces with
those of the colonists and while serving as a soldier of the Revolu-
tion was seriously wounded at the battle of Cowpens. Upon the
creation of the republic he accepted a land grant in what then was
Kentucky county, Virginia, and settled on the same, thus becoming
one of the real pioneers of the commonwealth of Kentucky. John
McCorkle, the grandson of this Revolutionary hero and the grand-
father of the subject of this sit etch, settled on a quarter of a sec-
74 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
tion of land in Anderson township upon coming np here from Ken-
tucky and that tract is now one of the most vahiable thereabout.
He and his wife were the parents of three children, John H. Mc-
Corkle having two sisters, Sallie and America. John H. McCorkle
completed his schooling at the old Richland Academy. His father
having died when he was but a boy and he being the only son, he
was from the days of his boyhood a mainstay of his mother in the
operations of the home farm and after his marriage continued farm-
ing and was so engaged until his retirement from the active labors
of the farm in January, 1918, and removed to Milroy, where he
and his wife are now living and where they are very comfortably
situated. He has a good farm of 250 acres and is regarded as one
of the substantial citizens of the Milroy neighborhood. His wife,
who was Mary H. Young, also is a member of one of the old families
of Rush county. They have three children, the subject of this
sketch having two sisters, Jessie, who married Casli Redmon, and
Maude, wife of Hugh Cowan. .Frank McCorkle was reared on the
farm and received his schooling at Milroy and at the Richland high
school. From the days of his boyhood he was trained to the ways
of the farm and after his marriage at the age of twenty-three be-
came engaged in farming on his own account, renting a tract of
640 acres, which he continued to operate for twelve years and on
which in addition to his general farming, he gave considerable at-
tention to the raising of live stock, feeding six or eight car loads
of hogs a year and also going in quite extensively to the breeding
of fine horses. In 1912 Mr. McCorkle retired from the farm
and moved to Milroy, on the edge of which village he bought a
tract of ninety-five acres, which he later increased to 185 acres,
and platted twenty acres of this to town lots, the same being known
as the New Addition. Upon moving to Milroy Mr. McCorkle se-
cured the local agency for the sale of Ford automobiles, his terri-
tory covering Orange, Anderson, Richland, the south half of Noble
and the south half of Rushville townships, and has been highly suc-
cessful in the distribution of this popular car. In 1914 Mr. Mc-
Corkle was elected trustee of Anderson township and so highly
appreciated were his services during the first term of his incum-
bency that he was re-elected and is now serving his second term.
During this period of service Mr. McCorkle has done much toward
the general consolidation of the schools of Anderson township and
in other ways has demonstrated his interest in the betterment and
development of public conditions, long having been recognized by
the people of that township as "the right man in the right place.'"
It was in the year 1900 that Frank McCorkle was united in mar-
riage to Inez M. Cowan, who also was born in this county, daughter
of John A. Cowan, and to this union two children have been born .
Gertrude Louise and Charles Wilbur. Mr. and Mrs. McCorkle are
members of the United Presbyterian church and take an active
interest in the work of the church as well as in all local good
works. Politically, Mr. McCorkle is a Republican and has long
JOHN .M. BEAVEK
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 75
been recognized as among the leaders of that party in his section of
the county. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, affiliated with the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis, and is a
noble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
affiliated with Murat Temple, Indianapolis, as well as a member
of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Milroy and of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Rushville, in the affairs
of all of which fraternal organizations he takes an earnest interest.
JOHN M. BEAVER, who died at his home in Union township
in the fall of 1918 and whose widow is still living there, was for
years one of the well known and influential men of the Glenwood
neighborhood and at his passing there were many expressions of
regret on the part of his hosts of friends. It is therefore but fitting
that in this volume of biography relating to the old families of
Rush county some modest tribute should be paid to his memory, for
the Beavers are one of the real pioneer families of the county, hav-
ing been represented here since the year Indiana was admitted to
statehood and five years before Rush county was erected a separ-
ate unit among the counties of the Hoosier state. The first of the
name to come here was Michael Beaver, who left his home in the
vicinity of Georgetown, Ky., in 1816 and with his family came up
into Indiana, later "entering" a tract of land in what afterward
became Noble township in Rush county, where he established his
home in the then wilderness, one of the first permanent settlers in
that vicinity. His son, Elijah Beaver, father of the late John M.
Beaver, was born in the Georgetown neighborhood in 1808 and was
thus but eight years of age when he came here with his parents in
1816. He "grew up" on the pioneer farm in Noble township and
in due time became a farmer on his own account and a man of
substance, the owner of an excellent farm and living in a way that
gave him a position of influence in the community. In 1831 there
came into that community in Noble township the Rhodes family
from Virginia, John and Margaret (Knox) Rhodes and their chil-
dren, who had left their home in the Old Dominion and had come
down the Ohio with their belongings on the flatboats of that period,
stopping at Cincinnati, whence they outfitted with teams and
wagons and came on up into Indiana, settling in Noble township,
this county. One of the children of this Virginia family was Ann
Elizabeth Rhodes, who was born in 1816 and was thus a girl of
fifteen when she came here with her parents. Not long after her
arrival she and Elijah Beaver met and it was not long until there
was mutual recognition of the romance that had come into their
lives through this meeting. They presently were married and after
their marriage established their home on a farm in Noble township,
where they reared their family and spent the remainder of their
lives, both living to a "ripe old age," Elijah Beaver having been a
resident of this county eighty years at the time of his death. The
late John M. Beaver, son of Elijah and Ann Elizabeth (Rhodes)
Beaver, was born on the farm in Noble township above referred to,
76 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
on January 19, 1842, and there grew to manhood. He received his
schooling in the neighborhood schools and remained at home assist-
ing his father in the development of the home farm until his mar-
riage at the age of twenty-five years. For a year after his mar-
riage he made his home in Wabash county, this state, and then
moved down into Fayette county, locating on a farm in Fairview
township in that county, where he remained until 1876 when he
returned to Rush county with his family and located on the farm
on which his widow is still living in Union township and there spent
the remainder of his life, his death occurring on October 31, 1918,
he then being in his seventy-seventh year. In addition to the farm
of eighty acres in Union township of which he died possessed, Mr.
Beaver owned a farm of eighty acres over in Fayette county. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Glenwood, as
is his widow, had served for some time as a member of the board of
trustees of the church and was generally active in community good
works. Mr. Beaver's first presidential vote was cast for Abraham
Lincoln and he remained an ardent Republican, ever interested in
the success of the party to which his youthful allegiance had been
given, an allegiance which continued steadfast throughout his life.
It was on October 23, 1867, that John M. Beaver was united in mar-
riage to Mary E. Stewart, who was born in the neighboring county
of Franklin, and to this union were born four children, namely:
Orphia E., who married 0. J. Cook, and has four children, Willard,
Wallace, Emma and Evalyn; Hugh, who married Adaline Gray;
Chester, who married Blanche Murphy, and has five children, Lu-
cille, Belva, Hall, Calvin and Mary Elizabeth; and Raymond, who
married Edna Tinder, and has three children, Robert, Margaret and
Marjorie. Besides her twelve grandchildren here enumerated, Mrs.
Beaver has one great-grandchild, her granddaughter, Emma Cook,
who married Ray Compton, having one child, a daughter, Mary
Estelle. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Beaver has continued
to make her home on the place where she has resided for forty-five
years and where she expects to continue to reside. This house is
located on R. F. D. No. 1 out of Glenwood and is very pleasantly
situated. Mrs. Beaver also is a member of a pioneer family in
Indiana, the Stewarts having come over here from Ohio about the
year 1829. She is a daughter of James and Ann Elizabeth (Waites)
Stewart, the latter of whom was born in Missouri. James Stewart
was born at what is now known as Goshen, Ohio, in 1817, and was
twelve years of age when he came with his father, Samuel Stewart,
to Indiana, the family settling in Franklin county near Mt. Carmel.
James Stewart's mother, who was a McClearney, died in Ohio and
his father later married Margaret Earheart. James Stewart grew
to manhood in Franklin county and was there married to Ann Eliza-
beth Waites, who was born in the vicinity of Lexington, Mo., and
who was left an orphan at the age of twelve years. In 1855 James
Stewart moved with his family to Wabash county and the rest of
his life was spent there, his death occurring in 1888. His widow
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 77
survived him until in April, 1897, her death also occurring in Wa-
bash county.
JOHN F. CROSS is one of the extensive landowners of Rush
county and his home farm of 120 acres in Rushville township is
under his own supervision, and is conducted according to modern
methods. He was born in Jackson township, this county, Novem-
ber 2, 1855, a son of Jacob and Jane (Harter) Cross, natives of
Greene county, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, respectively Both
were brought to Indiana at an early day by their parents and were
reared and educated in Rush county. With the exception of a year
spent in Iowa, Jacob Cross spent his life in Rush county, and de-
voted himself to agricultural pursuits. He and his wife had eight
children, six of whom survive, namely : Polly A., Elizabeth, Ma-
linda, -John F., Laura, and Harvina T. John F. Cross attended the
schools of Jackson township and was a student of the Downey
school. After the completion of his schooldays he was engaged in
farming with his father, with whom lie remained until his mar-
riage, at that time moving to his own farm of ninety acres which
his father had given him when he reached his majority. Here he
continued to live until 1902 and then moved to Rushville; but in
1910 resumed his agricultural operations, locating on his present
farm of 120 acres in Rushville township. He also owns his father's
homestead of 500 acres which he rents to his sons, Chester F. and
Chase G. Cross. On his own homestead Mr. Cross is doing general
farming and raises about 200 head of hogs annually. Mr. Cross
has been twice married. On January 17, 1878, he was united in
marriage to Olive Powell, daughter of John M. and Mary E.
(Porter) Powell, natives of Kentucky and Rush county, Indiana,
respectively, the former of whom was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs.
Powell had three children, but only one, Homer, survives. Mrs.
Olive Cross was born in Jackson township, this county, and was
here educated. She died on May 10, 1900, and her remains were
laid to rest in East Hill cemetery. She bore her husband three
children, of whom two survive : Chester F. and Chase G., Nora
having died at the age of ten years. On February 20, 1910, Mr.
Cross married Lula Smith, daughter of William P. and Frances E.
(Porter) Smith, and who died on May 8, 1921. Mr. Smith was a
machinist of Jackson township, where his daughter was born. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith had eight children, of whom five are now living,
Laura, Mila A., Charles, Cassius, and Hazel M. Mr. Cross is a
Democrat. The two sons of Mr. Cross are married. Chester F.
Cross married Carrie Northam and has one child, Tracy. Chase G.
Cross married Jennie Osborn and has three children, Olive, Mary E.
and Annabelle. These, young men are numbered among the alert
young farmers of Jackson township and are very successful in their
work of conducting the old Cross homestead in that neighborhood.
W. H. SMELSER, one of the favorably known and representa-
tive citizens of Rush county, in which he has spent his life, has a
fine farm in Noble township. He was born in Jackson township, this
78 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
county, on May 3, 1851, the son of Boone D. and Malissa (Morris)
Smelser, the former a native of Union county, Indiana, and the latter
of Rushville township, this county. Boone DeHaven Smelser, grand-
father on his mother's side, was a relative of the DeHaven that loaned
George Washington $50,000 at Valley Forge to carry on the Revolu-
tionary war. The Smelser family comes of sterling old Kentucky
stock. The subject's grandfather, John Smelser, came in an early
day to Union county, Indiana. Sometime later he came to Rush
county and bought a large tract of land in Jackson township. His
son, Boone D. Smelser, was but three weeks old when the family
came to Rush county and he was reared to manhood on the Jackson
township farm, securing his education in the schools of that neigh-
borhood. After his marriage, he devoted his attention to farming,
which he followed during the remainder of his life. He was success-
ful and at one time was the owner of 600 acres of land in Jackson
township. Selling that land, he bought 720 acres of land in Mont-
gomery countj T , which he operated for four years. He then went to
Alabama, but a short time later he came back to Rush county and
bought 160 acres in Union township, where he was engaged in farm-
ing up to the time of his retirement. He carried on general farming
operations, giving special attention to the raising of wheat, and also
raised considerable live stock. He and his wife are both deceased, his
death occurring in 1914 and that of his wife in 1895. They were the
parents of eleven children, of whom seven are now living, namely :
W. H., Fannie, John, Laura, Edward, Bert and Mattie. W. H.
Smelser received his education in the common schools of Jackson
township, and after completing his studies he worked for his father
on the home farm up to the time of his marriage. He then started
farming for himself in Union township, renting land for a number
of years, and then, in 1900, he bought the place on which he is now
living in Noble township, comprising 110 acres. He has placed all
of the improvements on this place, has always maintained it in the
best possible condition and has met with excellent success in his
operations. Besides carrying on a general line of farming, he feeds
from fifty to sixty hogs a year, giving special preference to the
Poland China breed. In 1875 Mr. Smelser was married to Sarah
Ilinchman, the daughter of Andrew and Mary Hinchman, and they
have become the parents of five children: Cora, Charles, Albert.
Chester and Chase. Cora became the wife of O. D. Green and they
have seven children : Marie, Maude, Anna, Florence, Frank, Earl and
Harvey. Albert married Opal Sims and they have one child, Murine.
Chester married Bessie Smith and they have one child, Josephine.
Politically, Mr. Smelser gives his support to the Democratic party.
THOMAS SULLIVAN, one of Rush county's prominent retired
business men, was born on March 16. 1859, in Wayne county, Indiana,
the son of Jeremiah and Nora (O'Brien) Sullivan, the former a
native of County Clair, Ireland, the latter of County Kerry. They
were married in Ireland, where Mr. Sullivan followed the occupation
of florist, but realizing that there were far greater opportunities for
success awaiting them in America, they made their way hither about
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 79
the year 1856. They first located in Pennsylvania where he followed
his trade of florist, but later came to Indiana and he was employed
as a farmer in "Wayne county until the outbreak of the Civil war.
Then, though so recent an arrival in the United States, he could not
bear to think of the flag he had come to love go down to destruction,
and he immediately volunteered in the Eighth Indiana Volunteer
Infantry regiment under Colonel Benton, serving throughout the
war. He was in three armies, the Potomac, the West, and the Gulf.
and saw some of the hottest fighting of the great struggle, partici-
pating in the battles of Shiloh, Pea Ridge, Wilderness, Fort Donald-
son, Gettysburg and Stone River. When discharged from the service,
he returned to Wayne county where he passed the remainder of his
days. He and his wife became the parents of thirteen children, four
of whom are now living : John, Hannah, Maggie, and Thomas. One
son, Jerry, volunteered in the Union army, though but sixteen year 1 ;
old, and laid his life upon the altar of freedom, being killed in th"
first engagement in which he was engaged. Thomas Sullivan was
educated in Wayne county, and after leaving school worked in a
machine shop for several years. He then took up the molding trade
at Richmond, Ind., and in 1871 removed to Indianapolis where he
was employed in the Quaker City Machine Works until 1876. At
that time he came to Rushville to work in the Nolan-Madden foundry
where he helped make the first casting ever done in Rushville. For
the next twenty years he was engaged off and on at the foundry, and
then conducted a transfer business for several years. Next he became
the proprietor of a saloon, and after seven years sold out to devote
his time to farming in which he has been successful, having acquired
140 acres of land lying in Rushville township. In 1878, he was mar-
ried to Catherine Ryan, and to their union have been born four
children: Francis, Jerry, Mae, and Anna. Francis married Viola
Gordon and died on August 29, 1915, leaving his wife and six chil-
dren survivors: Margaret, Frank, Thomas, Richard, Dick, and Den-
nis. Jerry and Mae are both unmarried, and Anna married Doctor
Dragoo. The entire family are communicants of St. Mary's Catholic
Church in Rushville.
ARNOLD ORME, member of the firm of Ball & Orme, operating
a grain elevator at Rushville, is an enterprising business man at that
city. He was born in Walker township, this county, September 4,
1878, a son of William and Amanda (Lower) Orme, also natives of
Rush county. His father was a farmer and owned 160 acres of land
in Walker township. There were four children in the family and
all are living: Lon, Dessie, Russell and Arnold. Arnold Orme
attended the public schools in Walker township, in the meanwhile
assisting on the home farm, afterward renting eighty acres of land
in Rushville township, where he carried on farming for four years.
He came then to Rushville and embarked in the elevator business and
has occupied his present location for thirteen years, the business
being conducted under the firm name of Ball & Orme. The firm
handles grain, flour and seed, the capacity of their elevator being
about 35,000 bushels. On October 25, 1899, Mr. Orme married Pearl
80 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Ball, who was born at Rushville, daughter of Ephraim and Belle
(Frazer) Ball, and they have five children: William. Thomas, Fern.
Frank and Fay. William and Thomas have completed the public
school course but the others are yet in school. In politics Mr. Orme
is a Democrat and served three years as a member of the city council.
He is a Mason, belonging to blue lodge, council and chapter; is a
member of the grand lodge. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen.
Mr. Orme is well known over Rush county and his reputation is that
of an upright and reliable business man.
JOHN H. MeCORKLE. a well known and substantial retired
farmer of Anderson township, now living at Milroy, was born in this
county, a member of one of the pioneer families, and has lived here
all his life, having thus been a witness to the amazing changes tkar
have taken place in conditions here during the time of the com-
munity^ progress away from the primitive state of things which
faced the pioneers seventy-five years ago, and has thus many inter-
esting stories to tell of the manner of doing things which prevailed
in the days of his boyhood. The McCorkles are of colonial stock, the
first of the family in this country having been a Scotsman, James
MeCorkle, who came to America in colonial days and settled in
Virginia. When the colonists found it imperative upon them to issue
their Declaration of Independence James MeCorkle added his weight
to the force of this declaration and joined the Continental army,
serving as a soldier of the Revolution until incapacited for further
service by a serious wound received at the historic battle of Cowpens.
In recompense of his service he accepted a land grant from the state
of Virginia to a tract of land in the then western county of the Old
Dominion and located on the tract, thus becoming one of the pioneers
of Kentucky and a force in the community when Kentucky county
was raised to statehood. He and his wife reared their family there,
in what is now Fleming county. One of their sons. Joseph MeCorkle
married Hannah Scott and reared a family in Fleming county. John
MeCorkle, one of the sons of this latter pair, married Jane (Howe}
Hillis, who also was born in Fleming county, and soon after his
marriage came up into Indiana with his bride and settled on a quarter
of a section of land in Anderson township, this county. On that
place John MeCorkle died on January 16, 1850, leaving his widow with
three small children, a son, John H., the subject of this sketch, and
two daughters, Sallie and America. The Widow MeCorkle was a
woman of true pioneer spirit and she continued the operations of
the farm, overseeing the continued improvement of the same, and
thus maintained her family there, the place being developed in time
into an excellent piece of property, and it was there that John II.
MeCorkle grew to manhood, later established his own home whei:
he married and there continued to reside, carrying on the operations
of the farm very successfully until his retirement from active labor
in January, 1918, and removal to Milroy, where he and his wife are
uow living. Mr. MeCorkle has a well improved farm of 250 acres
over the operations of which he continues to keep a supervisory eye.
(Prom I
1921)
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 81
John H. McCorkle has been twice married. It was in 1877 that he
was united in marriage to Mary H. Young, who also was born in this
county, a member of one of the pioneer families, and to this union
three children were born, a son and two daughters : Frank, Jessie
and Maude. Frank McCorkle, a landowner of Anderson township,
trustee of the township and dealer in Ford automobiles at Milroy.
married Inez M. Cowan and has two children : Gertrude and Wilbur.
Jessie McCorkle married Cash Redmon and has two children : Howard
and John David, and Maude McCorkle married Hugh Cowan and
has one child, Maurice. Mrs. Mary H. McCorkle died in 1906 and
in 1918 Mr. McCorkle married Mrs. Anna Somerville Bosley, daugh-
ter of Watson Somerville and widow of Alonzo Bosley. Mr. and
Mrs. McCorkle are members of the United Presbyterian church and
in his political views Mr. McCorkle is a Republican.
HON. ROWLAND H. HILL, of Carthage, state senator from
this district and prominent among the men whose inherent ability,
great industry, accurate forethought and sound and reliable judg-
ment have added to the character, wealth and good government of
Rush county, and more particularly of the community of Carthage,
is a native Hoosier and has lived in this state all his life. Senator
Hill was born in Hancock county, Indiana, June 5, 1878, son and
only child of Samuel B. and Mary R. (Hadley) Hill, both also
Hoosiers, the former a native of Wayne county and the latter of
Hendricks county. For a number of years Samuel B. Hill was
engaged in agricultural operations in Hancock county, but even-
tually came to Carthage, where, with his son, he was the owner
and operator of a dry goods store for about twelve years. He
stood high in business circles of his community, where he was
recognized generally as a man of high principles, while as a citizen
the manner in which he discharged his responsibilities left no doubt
as to his public spirit. Rowland II. Hill was but a child when
brought by his parents to Carthage, and his primary education was
acquired in the graded schools of that place. After graduating
from the high school he pursued an academic course at Earlham
College, and in 1898 became his father's partner in the conduct of
a dry goods business at Carthage. This they carried on with suc-
cess until 1908, when they sold out, and Rowland II. Hill at that
time became a traveling salesman. He was a representative on the
road for the Geddes-Brown Shoe Company, of Indianapolis, until
1914, when he returned to Carthage and purchased the grain ele-
vator and coal yard which he now owns and operates. The elevator
has a capacity of 5,000 bushels, and the coal yard is one which
covers a large area. Both ventures have prospered greatly under
the owner's capable and energetic management. In addition, Mr.
Hill is the owner of a large and productive farm in Rush county
and is an extensive dealer in hogs, buying and feeding off on an
average of 2,000 each season. In business circles he is known as a
man of the highest integrity and possesses in the fullest degree the
esteem and respect, as well as the confidence, of his associates.
82 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
He has for years been interested in public affaire and in 1920 was
elected a member of the Indiana state Senate on the Republican
ticket. His work in that body has been constructive and beneficial
and has marked him as one of the working members. In October,
1900, Senator Hill was united in marriage to Verna Sutermeister,
who was born at LaPorte, Ind., where she was reared and primarily
educated, later pursuing a course at Earlham College. She is a
daughter of Constantine and Rachael (Denham) Sutermeister, the
former a native of Scotland, and the latter of the state of Indiana,
Mrs. Hill's parents being farming people throughout their lives.
They had two children: Verna and an infant, deceased. Senator
and Mrs. Hill are members of the Carthage Meeting of Friends.
Senator Hill is well known in fraternal circles, being a Mason and
Shriner, belonging to the lodge at Carthage and the Mystic Shrine
at Indianapolis. He also holds membership in the Elks lodge of
Rushville, the United Commercial Travelers and the Columbia Club
of Indianapolis. During the World war period Senator Hill was
one of the most active war workers of this locality and served as a
member of the Rush County Council of Defense and as a director
of the Red Cross Society of Rush county in its various drives.
ELIHU PRICE, a venerable and honored citizen of Arlington,
now living in retirement after a long and busy life, spending his
later years in quiet and in plenty as a result of his earlier years of
strenuous endeavor, has been a life-long resident of the county
having been born in Posey township on October 5, 1843. He is the
son of John and Mary (Cotney) Price, both of whom were bom
and reared in Kentucky, whence they came to Rush county in about
1830. Here John Price devoted himself to agricultural pursuits,
mostly in Posey township, and that he was successful is evidenced by
the fact that he became the owner of 500 acres of land in Rush
county. John Price was married twice and became the father of
sixteen children by the two unions. Four of these children are now
living, namely: Sarah, Elihu, Nathan and Jane. Elihu Price re-
ceived his elementary education in the common schools of Posey town-
ship and then completed his studies in the normal school at Lebanon.
Ind., where he attended two years. During the following eight
years Mr. Price was engaged in teaching school, seven years in Rush,
county and one year in Jasper county, Illinois. He then turned his
attention to farming in Posey township and devoted himself inde-
fatigably until 1909, when he relinquished the active duties of the
farm and removed to Arlington, where he now resides. His first,
efforts as an independent farmer were on rented land, but he later
bought 160 acres, which was eventually increased to 230 acres. Since
his retirement from the active management of the farm, it is being
operated by his son Noah. The place is well improved. Here Mi-.
Price carried on general farming and stock raising and as a farmer
has always been held in high repute. On August 17, 1871, Mr. Price
was married to Mary Reddick, who was born in Ripley township, this
county, the daughter of John and Catherine (Ruby) Reddick, both
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 83
of whom were natives of the state of Ohio. Mr. Reddick was a
farmer by vocation and was the father of ten children, of whom the
following survive : Lewis, Mary, Amanda, Elizabeth, Noah, Frank
and Jesse. To Mr. and Mrs. Price have been born six children, all of
whom are living, namely: John J., Mary C, Amanda, Jesse F.,
Sarah J. and Noah. John J., who is a farmer in Posey township,
married Flora Jamison, who died on August 11, 1908. Mary C.
became the wife of Jesse Nelson, a farmer of Shelby county, Indiana,
and they have three children, Bessie married Rowland Earnest, a
farmer of Posey township, and they have four children: Howard.
Dallas, Katheryn and Robert; Braynard, farmer in Shelby county,
married Alta Pitts and they have one child, Margarie, and Warren,
a farmer of Shelby county, married Lillian Jordan. Amanda became
the wife of Hugh Birt, a farmer of Posey township. Jesse F., who
also is a farmer in Posey township, married Lillian Green and they
have two children : Everett C. and Charles E. Sarah J. became the
wife of Earl Mull, a farmer in Walker township, and they have one
child, Leoto, who married and is the mother of one child, Geonie.
Noah, who lives on the home farm, married Laura Abercrombie, and
they have one child, Donald. Politically, Mr. Price has been a life-
long supporter of the Democratic party and has held several public
offices, having served four years as trustee of Posey township and
eight years as justice of the peace. He and his wife are members of
the Christian church at Arlington and, fraternally, he is a member
of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
at Arlington.
FRED GROSS, merchant, and proprietor of the leading general
store at Manilla, this county, was born in Walker township, Rush
county, March 29, 1875. His parents were John and Catherine
(Ottman) Gross, who were born in Germany and came to the United
States when young, after their marriage settling in Walker township,
Ihis county. For some years John Gross followed the cabinet making
trade at Manilla, but in 1861 became a merchant, establishing a store
on the location that has never been changed, although there has been
a considerable amount of expansion. He continued active as a mer-
chant during the rest of his life. Of his eight children, the following
survive: Kate, Emma, Caroline, Jacob, William, Fred and Otto.
Fred Gross was educated at Manilla, where he was graduated from,
the high school, following which he began assisting his father in the
store. In 1895 he and his sister, Caroline, jointly inherited the store
business, and since that time Mr. Gross has managed the business very
profitably, demonstrating excellent judgment and commercial fore-
sight. On April 12, 1907, he married Vivian Barnum, who was born
at Manilla, daughter of Dr. William E. and Lavancha Barnum. Th"
father of Mrs. Gross has practiced medicine at Manilla for forty-five
years. She has one brother, Dr. Emerson Barnum. Mr. and Mrs.
Gross have two children, Fred, Jr., and Katherine. In political life
Mr. Gross is a Democrat and has served four years as township
trustee, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. He is quite
active in fraternal life, being a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge
84 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
at Manilla and chapter, council and commandery at Rushville, and
is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Manilla and
of the Knights of Pythias at Blue Ridge, over in Shelby county. Mr.
Gross is accounted one of the representative business men of Rush
county.
MONET 0. SEFTON, a successful farmer and enterprising
citizen of Noble township, is a native son of Indiana, having been
born in Decatur county on September 5, 1867, and is the son of
George W. and Julia (Lanham) Sefton, both of whom also were
born and reared in Decatur county. George W. Sefton was educated
in the public schools of his native county and he then took up the
vocation of farming, his first employment being as a farm hand.
Eventually he bought land of his own and in the course of time became
the owner of 160 acres. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having
enlisted in the Seventh regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with
which command he served for three years and three months. He
took part in some of the great battles of that war, including the
battles of Gettysburg and of the "Wilderness. After the war he
returned to Decatur county, where he remained until his death, which
occurred on May 2, 1918, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife
had died in 1869. They were the parents of five children : Julia,
Emma, Mary, Stella and Monet 0., the last named being the only
resident of Rush county. Monet 0. Sefton attended the common
schools of Decatur county, and then applied himself to the cultiva-
tion of the home farm up to the time of his removal to Rush county
in 1894. For three years he was employed by his uncle, James Miller,
and then for seven years he was engaged in the operation of a farm
of 160 acres in Richland township which he rented, followed by a
three-year rental of a farm of 204 acres. He then bought his present,
fine farm of 160 acres, located in Noble township, and which he has
improved and developed into one of the best farms in this section
of the county, the place being devoted to general farming and stock
raising. He raises fifty acres of corn and fifty acres of wheat every
year and feeds practically all of his corn on the place, feeding from
150 to 200 hogs a year. Mr. Sefton was married to Maude Humes,
the daughter of Israel and Mollie (Cooper) Humes, and they have
become the parents of two daughters, Myrtle, who is taking the
domestic science course at Purdue University, and Marion, who is
taking music at DePauw University. In religion, Mr. Sefton and his
family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which
Mr. Sefton is a member of the board of trustees. Politically, he
gives his support to the Republican party.
DONALD EL DEAN, M. D., who has by his ability and attention
to the progress of his profession built up an enviable reputation
for himself, was born near Columbus, in Bartholomew county.
Indiana, the son of Jeremiah L. and Amanda (Heager) Dean, the
former of Corydon, Ind., the latter of near Columbus. Soon after
his marriage, J. L. Dean moved to a farm near Columbus and there
his five children were born: Donald H., the subject of this biogra-
phy; J. H., D. D. S., of Franklin, Ind.; G. D., an attorney at Indian-
Joseph s. wixsii
HISTORY OP EUSH COUNTY 85
apolis, and Frances and Ella, both living in Franklin. When his
children were yet young, J. L. Dean moved to Columbus, retiring
from active farming, in order that his children might have the ad-
vantages of the public schools of that place. After completing the
public school curriculum, Donald H. Dean entered Franklin College.
from which he was graduated in 1885. Having decided upon a pro-
fessional career, and after careful consideration of the merits of the
various medical colleges, he was matriculated at the Chicago Home-
opathic Medical College, from which institution he received his
degree in 1889. For two years thereafter, Doctor Dean practiced at
Columbus, Ind., in partnership with Dr. A. Rice, who had been a
fellow student of his. At the expiration of this period, he came
to the conclusion that there were greater opportunities awaiting him
in a different field, and he accordingly located in Rushville. Here,
though at first a stranger, his success was never in doubt, and he has
gradually attracted to himself an extensive and profitable practice.
His modern offices are situated in the Logan building at the corner of
Main and Fourth streets, where he is able to meet the demands of his
constantly growing clientele. On January 1, 1894, Doctor Dean
was married to Mary A. Irvin, of Rush county, and they have become
the parents of three children: Phyllis, who is teaching in the Fair-
view high school; Janet, who is attending Butler College; and Donald,
the youngest, who is a student in the Rushville schools. Doctor Dean
is a member of various societies in which he enjoys a deserved popu-
larity, and in his political affiliations aligns himself with the Re-
publican party.
JOSEPH S. WINSHIP, in whose passing Rush county lost one
of its representative citizens, left a good memory. As the day, with
its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its eve-
ning of complete and successful efforts, ending in the grateful rest
and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. Through
the long years of his residence in this locality he was ever true to
every trust reposed in him and his reputation in a business way was
unassailable, so that he left the strong impress of his individuality
upon all whom he met. Mr. Winship was a native son of Indiana,
having been born in Boone county on June 22, 1847, and his death
occurred at his home in Richland township on January 11, 1918, he
having passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and
ten. He was the son of Jabez and Jane (Milligan) "Winship, both
of whom also were natives of Indiana and former residents of
Boone county. Later they moved to Rush county and located in
Anderson township, where they spent the remainder of their years.
Joseph S. Winship was reared to manhood in Anderson township,
receiving his educational training in the common schools of that
community. After leaving school he continued to assist his father
on the home farm, where he remained until his marriage, when he
located in Richland township, where he bought 160 acres of land,
comprising the farm on which his widow now resides. He later
increased his land holdings to 188 acres and here he carried on
86 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
general farming operations with success and profit during the
remainder of his active years. He made all the improvements on
the place, these being of a substantial character, and brought the
place up to a high standard of excellence. His attractive and con-
veniently arranged home is one of the best in this locality. Mr.
Winship's active career was characterized by indefatable indus-
try, persistency and sound business judgment, and he was num-
bered among the progressive and enterprising farmers of Richland
township. Mr. Winship was married to Gertrude Hunt, the daugh-
ter of Morgan and Sallie C. (Brooks) Hunt. Mrs. Winship was born
in Rush county, but when she was but six months old her parents
moved to Franklin county, where she was reared .and educated
and where she continued to reside until her marriage. Her parents
remained there until the father's death, in 1887, when the widow
moved to New Salem, where she lived until her death, which oc-
curred in 1908. They were the parents of four children, Gertrude,
Elizabeth, Edwin and Clara. Mrs. Winship is a member of the
Christian church. Mr. Winship was a Democrat in his political
views, though he was never an aspirant for public office. Mrs.
Winship is a lady of many kindly qualities of character, which have
endeared her to all who know her.
JESSE F. MILLER, one of the substantial farmers of Anderson
township, now living at Milroy, was born on the farm he owns in that
township and has been a resident of Rush county all his life. He was
born on November 11, 1859, son of Augustus and Celia (Winship)
Miller, both of whom were born in that same township, members of
pioneer families. Augustus Miller, who for many years was a well
known farmer of Anderson township and for some time a member of
the board of county commissioners of Rush county, was born on a
farm in Richland township on February 16, 1827, son of Michael and
Sarah (Thompson) Miller, Virginians, who settled in this county in
the spring of 1823, two years after Rush county had been created a
separate civic unit in the growing list of counties in the then new
state of Indiana. Michael Miller was born in that section of the
Old Dominion now comprised in West Virginia on February 28, 1801,
and was reared there. At the age of twenty-two years, January 9,
1823, he married Sarah Thompson and in the March following he
and his bride came to Indiana and located in Rush county, where
the young pioneer had entered a quarter section tract of "Congress
land" in Anderson township, the grant to the land, which is still
in the possession of the family, bearing the signature of President
Monroe. As an interesting sidelight on the subject of comparative
land values it will be informative to the present generation to know
that this pioneer paid the government $1.25 an acre for that quarter
section. As in all that section of Rush county in its primitive state,
this tract was covered with hard timber and the task the young
pioneer faced in clearing the place and fitting it for cultivation was
one that now would seem well nigh insuperable, but he and his bride
buckled down to the task of creating a home for themselves and those
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 87
who should come after them and in proper time they had a fit abiding
place there and a productive farm. In the log house they erected
for their first dwelling place in the wilderness their three children
were born : Christian, Augustus and Mary. Michael Miller continued
to prosper and in time added to his farm an adjoining quarter sec-
tion, which he also proceeded to improve, and on that place he resided
until his retirement in 1852 and removal to Richland, where he died
in 1878, he then being seventy-seven years of age. His widow sur-
vived him for twelve years, her death occurring at the home of her
daughter in 1890, she then being eighty-six years of age. In the
cabin home above referred to Augustus Miller was reared. From
the days of his boyhood he was a helpful assistant in the labors of
improving and developing the pioneer farm and he remained with
his parents until his marriage to Celia Winship at the age of twenty-
four, after which he established a home of his own, buying a farm
in the neighborhood, and as he prospered in his affairs added to his
holdings until he became the owner of an excellent farm of 400 acres
and came to be regarded as one of the substantial and influential
men of the community. Mr. Miller took an active interest in local
political affairs and for two terms served as a member of the board
of commissioners of Rush county for his home district. In 1881
he disposed of some of his interests in this county and moved to
Greensburg, in the neighboring county of Decatur. He continued
his political activity in his new place of residence and not long after
moving there was elected to represent his district on the board of
commissioners of Decatur county. He also continued to extend his
land interests and at one time owned farms in Howard and Madison
county besides his holdings in Rush and Decatur counties. Augustus
Miller was twice married. By his first wife, Celia Winship, he had
six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in
order of birth, the others being Louis Irwin, who died in infancy;
Michael S., who died at the age of eleven years; Lucien B., now
living in Rushville; Oscar G., who for years has been engaged in
business at Greensburg, and Anna B., who met with a fatal accident
when four years old. It was prior to the removal of Augustus
Miller to Greensburg that the mother of these children died and in
1894 he married Sarilda Lanham. Jesse P. Miller was reared on
the home farm in Anderson township and from the days of his boy-
hood was trained to effective farm ways. He supplemented the
course secured in the local schools by a course in the normal school
at Danville, Ind., and remained at home, a valued assistant to his
father in the labors of developing the farm, until his marriage at
the age of twenty-five, after which he rented a tract of land from his
father and established a home of his own. Later his father appor-
tioned to him a tract of 112 acres and to this he presently added an
adjoining "forty." On this farm he and his wife continued to
make their home until 1913, when they moved to Milroy, where they
have since resided and where they are very comfortably situated. Mr.
Miller, however, continues to oversee his farm operations and has
lost none of the activity of former days, though living "retired,"
88 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
and it is but proper to state that these farming operations are car-
ried on in strictly up-to-date fashion, his son, Donald E. Miller,
being a valued factor in the continuing operations of the old home
place, which has thus been operated by four generations of the
Miller family since the original grant to the pioneer, Michael Miller,
nearly a century ago. It was in 1884 that Jesse F. Miller was united
in marriage to Minnie E. Elstun, who also was born in this county,
daughter of Freeman and Lucinda Elstun, and to this union has
been born one child, a son, Donald E., who is unmarried and who is
referred to above as carrying on the continuing farm operations of
the Millers in his generation in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller
are members of the Methodist church and have ever taken an inter-
ested part in church work, Mr. Miller having been for some time a
member of the board of trustees of the church. In his political views
Mr. Miller is an ardent Republican, as was his father, but has not
been an office seeker. He is a Mason, affiliated with the local lodge
of that order at Milroy, and is also a member of the local lodge of
the Knights of Pythias, in which latter lodge he has been "through
the chairs."
JOSEPH E. HARDIN, a well known farmer and stock dealer
of Posey township and one of the substantial and enterprising citizens
of Rush county, was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, on
the 10th day of October, 1860, and is the son of Christopher V. and
Sibbey J. (Faust) Hardin, both of whom were born and reared in
North Carolina. The subject's father was a farmer by vocation
and owned 200 acres of land. To him and his wife were born
nine children, seven of whom are living, namely: John L., Cicero C,
Peter A., Bettie, Joanna, Maude and Joseph E. Joseph E. Hardin
was educated in the public schools of his native state and remained
at home until he had attained his majority, when he came to Indiana,
settling at Knightstown, where for four years he was employed as a
farm hand. At the time of his marriage, in 1885, he rented forty
acres of land in Hancock county, but two years later he returned to
Henry county, where for ten years he operated a rented farm. He
then went to Greene county, Indiana, where he engaged in the butch-
ering and stock business, and he also became the owner of sixty acres
of land there. Fifteen years later Mr. Hardin sold his interests there
and came to Rush county. After operating rented land here for seven
years, he bought the farm on which he now resides, comprising eighty-
five acres of fine, tillable land, on which Mr. Hardin carries on gen-
eral farming operations, in which he has been very successful. Mr.
Hardin is also extensively engaged in the business of buying and
shipping of live stock, handling large numbers of cattle and hogs.
He is an indefatigable worker, a good business man and enjoys to a
marked degree the confidence and good will of all with whom he has
dealings. On January 15, 1885, Mr. Hardin was married to Rebecca
A. Sexton, who was born and reared in Greene county, Indiana, the
daughter of Joel B. and Mary (Lamb) Sexton, both of whom also
were natives of that county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hardin have been born
nine children, of whom seven are living, namely: Carl V., who is a
PHILIP S. DArBEXKPECK
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 89
farmer in Hancock county, married Elizabeth Maneke and they have
tkree ckildren, Herckel, Lewis and Russell, Josepk B., who also is a
farmer in Hancock county, married Eunice Gardner and they have
three children, Harold, Wilbur and Joicey ; Robert B. ; Edith is the
wife of Raymond Higgins, a mechanic in Indianapolis, Ind. ; Edna,
Blanche and Levonne. Politically, Mr. Hardin is a staunch sup-
porter of the Republican party, while his religious faith is that of the
Wesleyan Methodist church.
PHILIP S. DAUBENSPECK, a well known and substantial
farmer and stock man of Union township, proprietor of an excel-
lent farm there, was born in that same township and has lived on
the farm all his life with the exception of a period of twelve years
when he was engaged in the grain business at Glenwood. He was
born on June 25, 1866, son of Harvey and Margaret (Hinchman)
Daubenspeck, and grew to manhood on the home farm in Union
township, receiving his schooling in the neighborhood schools.
Prom the days of his boyhood Mr. Daubenspeck was well trained
in the ways of the farm and after completing his schooling he re-
mained on the farm, assisting his father in the operations of the
same for about ten years, at the end of which time he became en-
gaged in the grain business at Glenwood and was for twelve years
thus engaged. In 1900 he returned to the farm to take up the
operation of the same in his father's behalf and has since remained
there, having taken over the farm after his father's death in April,
1917. Mr. Daubenspeck has a well kept and well improved farm of
230 acres, and his operations are carried on in up-to-date fashion.
He for years has given special attention to the breeding of hogs,
in connection with his general farming operations, and is accus-
tomed to feed out from 500 to 800 head of hogs a year, thus long
having been recognized as one of the leading feeders in this section.
He also feeds a hundred or more head of cattle anmially and has
done well in his live stock operations. He has an excellent farm
plant, with spacious barns and feeding pens, the plant including a
cattle barn 70x160 feet and three others 40x60 feet and two 100-ton
silos, and keeps things up about the place in real "ship-shape"
style. In 1915 Philip S. Daubenspeck Was united in marriage to
Anna Cook, daughter of Wilson and Louise Cook, and he and his
wife have a very pleasant home on rural mail route No. 2 out of
Glenwood, where their friends are ever sure of a hospitable wel-
come. In his political leanings Mr. Daubenspeck is a Republican
and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs,
though not what may be called an "active" politician in the sense
in which that term generally is used. He does, however, take an
active interest in general community affairs, movements that have
to do with the advancement of agricultural interests hereabout,
and his influence in that behalf has been an ever widening one.
GEORGE W. KUNTZ, a general farmer and life-long resident
of Walker township, was born on his father's farm on February 19,
1874. His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth (Weber) Kuntz,
90 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
both of whom were born in Germany. Frederick Kuntz came to the
United States in boyhood and later, in Cincinnati, married Elizabeth
Weber, who had accompanied her parents to America in childhood.
They had eight children born to them and four of these survive:
Jacob, John, Conrad and George W. Frederick Kuntz was a farmer
all his life and owned 176 acres in Walker township, this county.
George W. Kuntz attended school in district No. 3, Walker township,
in boyhood, helped on the farm during this period and afterward
farmed for his father, and at the time of the latter 'a death, inherited
forty acres of the old homestead. Later he bought thirty additional
acres from his brother, Jacob, and now profitably operates a farm
of seventy well improved acres. He feeds from fifty to seventy-five
head of hogs yearly. On April 25, 1900, Mr. Kuntz married Jennie
Cross, who was born in Shelby county, this state, daughter of Edmund
and Sarah (Hauk) Cross. The parents of Mrs. Kuntz were born
in Shelby county and her father was a farmer there all his life.
They had four children: Frank, Vern, Clara B. and Jennie. Mr.
and Mrs. Kuntz have two children : Opal P. and Voyd G. Opal P.
Kuntz was born on October 29, 1906, and is a member of the fresh-
man class in the high school at Manilla. She has musical gifts of a
high order and is organist of the Methodist Episcopal church at
Manilla, to which the family belong. Voyd G. Kuntz was born on
January 17, 1911, and is attending school at Manilla. In politics
Mr. Kuntz has always been a staunch Democrat. He is a member
of the Masonic lodge at Manilla and belongs also to the Modern
Woodmen lodge at Manilla.
CONRAD D. POSZ, farmer and stockraiser in Walker township,
was born in Union township, Shelby county, March 7, 1869, a son of
Valentine and Margaret (Backer) Posz. Both parents were born in
Germany. The father was eighteen years old when he came to the
United States but the mother of Conrad Posz was only four years old
when she accompanied her parents to this country. Both families
came to Indiana and settled in Shelby county. Valentine Posz fol-
lowed farming there during all his active life. Of his family of
eight children there are seven living: Catherine, Adam, Emma,
Conrad D., Maggie, George and Barbara. Conrad D. Posz attended
school in boyhood in Union township, Shelby county, and grew to
manhood on his father's farm. When he married and started out
for himself, he began as a renter in Shelby county, where he remained
for fourteen years, then moved to Rush county and bought the farm
in Walker township on which he still lives. lie has 118 acres of well
improved land, having put up substantial buildings and done a
great deal of fencing and ditching. He has been quite successful as
a general farmer and has given much attention to raising Duroc
Jersey hogs, usually marketing about 150 head a year. On January
15, 1896, he married Louisa Kuhn, who also was born in Union
township, Shelby county, daughter of Daniel and Louisa (Haehl)
Kuhn. The father of Mrs. Posz was born in Germany and the
mother in Shelby county. They had six children, three of whom are
living: Herman, Curtis and Louisa. Mr. and Mrs. Posz have two
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 91
daughters, Ethel and Julia, both of whom reside at home, Julia still
attendiug school at Homer. Mr. Posz and his family are members
of the Christian Union church at Homer. He is interested to some
degree in politics and has always voted the Democratic ticket. Mr.
Posz is well known at Homer and belongs to the Odd Fellows' and
Red Men's lodges at that place.
LEON C. McDANIEL, a well known farmer of Posey township
and a man of high standing and influence in the western part of
Rush county, was born on October 17, 1887, in Posey township, and
has been a resident of that township all his life. His parents were
Lee and Mary (Cowger) McDaniel, the former of whom was born in
Georgetown, Ky., and the latter in Posey township, Rush county.
The father was brought to Rush county in childhood and in the
schools of this locality he received his educational training. He was
a farmer and stock raiser, giving a good deal of his attention to
cattle and sheep. He was married twice, being the father of three
children by his first marriage and one, the subject of this sketch, by
his union with Mary Cowger. Leon McDaniel attended the common
schools of Posey township, followed by attendance at the Rushville
high school, where he was graduated. He then entered the agricul-
tural department of Purdue University, at Lafayette, where he was
graduated with the class of 1911. He then devoted his attention to
the home farm, which he operated for his mother until her death,
when he inherited it and has since continued to operate it. Mr.
McDaniel is the owner of eighty acres of land, which he devotes to
general farming and stock raising, feeding about eighty head of hogs
each year. On February 26, 1914, Mr. McDaniel was married to
Bertha Woliung, a native of Rush county and the daughter of
William and Ella (Gilson) Woliung. Mr. Woliung, who was a car-
penter by trade, became a prosperous contractor. To him and his
wife were born two children, Jesse and Bertha. Mr. and Mrs.
McDaniel are the parents of one child, Mary Ellen, who was born on
January 13, 1916. Politically, Mr. McDaniel gives his support to the
Republican party, while fraternally, he is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men at Rushville. He
is also a member of the college fraternity, Delta Upsilon. He and
his wife are earnest members of the Christian church of Arlington
and Rushville respectively.
PAUL L. DAUBENSPECK, who, starting upon his independent
career as a renter at the time he had attained his majority, has
advanced himself within the short space of eleven years to a place
among the substantial general farmers and stock raisers of Noble
township. Mr. Daubenspeck was born in Union township, Rush
county, November 4, 1889, a son of II. E. and Jessie (Blacklidge)
Daubenspeck. His success has been achieved on the basis of a com-
mon school education, a careful home training which stimulated a
desire to be of use in the world, and the quality of perseverance
which assures the accomplishment of any task undertaken. After
his graduation from the high school at Glenwood, in 1907, he took up
farming with his father, whose associate he continued to be ixntil he
92 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
reached his majority. At that time he married and entered upon
his independent career as a renter, which was his status for about
eight years, in the last year of which he was operating a rented
farm of 500 acres. In 1918 he purchased his present property of
160 acres, located in Noble township, where he has made numerous
improvements, including the erection of two sets of modern build-
ings and the installation of numerous appurtenances and appliances
indicative of present-day progressiveness. In addition to being a
general farmer, he gives much attention to stock raising, and at this
time is shipping about 300 hogs annually. Mr. Daubenspeck has an
understanding of scientific agriculture that has secured the best
results from his land, and its disposal is arranged with a view to the
greatest economy of expenditure, as well as the largest rewards from
various side lines. He is a member of the Christian church at Little
Plat Rock, and gives liberally to religious movements, being also a
generous contributor to charities and social demands. He is a Knight
Templar Mason and an Elk, and gives his political support to the
Republican party. Mr. Daubenspeck married Hazel, daughter of
Robert N. and Sarah J. Hinchman, and to this union there have
been born two children, Robert H. and Marion H.
WILLARD H. AMOS, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of
Rushville township, was born in that township on February 26, 1856,
a son of Johanan J. and Amanda (Hildreth) Amos. J. J. Amos
was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, September 30, 1803, the
fourth child of Nicholas and Ann (Jones) Amos, natives of Maryland.
In 1823, he came to Rush county to live with his uncle, Abraham
Jones, but returned to Kentucky, not returning to Rush county until
1839, wheu he located on a farm near New Salem, and became very
successful as a farmer, at one time owning 2,000 acres of land.
Williard H. Amos was reared on his father's farm, receiving his
schooling in the schools of Noble township. He then engaged in
farming operations on the home farm until his marriage when he
went into business for himself on a farm of seventy acres. Since that
time he has rapidly increased his holdings until he now owns 350 acres
in the county. In 1900 he moved to Rushville and has conducted his
various enterprises from that city since that time. He married on
October 22, 1879, Ann Elizabeth Poston, a daughter of George W.
and Nancy (McNeal) Poston, of Noble township, and to their union
there has been born one child, Mary, the wife of Luke Duffy. In
fraternal circles Mr. Amos is a well known member of the Masons
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically he aligns
himself with the Republican party, in the councils of which he has
long been regarded as a leader and for sis years rendered public
service as a member of the board of county commissioners from his
district.
JOHN R. WARD, a well known and substantial farmer of this
county now residing at Rushville, is a native of Rush county, having
been born here on September 21, 1860. His parents came to Indiana
and located in Jackson township, this county, where the subject grew
to manhood and where he remained until his removal from the farm
JOHN 0. WILLIAMS
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 93
to Rushville about 1910, where he since has made his home, he and
his family being very pleasantly situated at 1230 North Main street.
Mr. Ward's parents, George and Mary J. (Lee) Ward, were the
parents of nine children, of whom but two are now living, Mr. Ward
having a brother, Leonard Ward. George Ward, the Virginian, was
first engaged as a cabinet maker when he came to Rush county, but
some time later became engaged in the practice of medicine, to which
he had been schooled in his native state. Having been but a lad
when he came to this county, John R. Ward received his schooling
in the schools of Jackson township and as a young man became
engaged in farming in that township, where, after his marriage, he
established his home and in time bought a place of eighty acres. As
his affairs prospered Mr. Ward added to his holdings until he became
the owner of an excellent farm of 550 acres, which he continues to
operate from his home in Rushville. It was in 1880 that John R.
Ward was united in marriage to Harvina Cross, who was born in
Jackson township, this county, daughter of Jacob and Martha J.
(Harter) Cross, well known residents of that section of the county
in their generation, and to this union were born two children, Mrs.
Effie W. Abbercrombie and Roscoe, the latter of whom died at the
age of twenty-four years.
JOHN 0. WILLIAMS, former county treasurer, whose life
history is closely identified with the history of Noble township, for
there he has spent practically his entire life, a life of unceasing
activity, was born in that township on December 13, 184S, and is
the son of John and Elizabeth Williams. He received his education
in the schools of his locality and then was employed as a farm hand.
Later he rented on shares until he was about thirty years of age,
when he married. During the following two years he operated
rented land and then he bought eighty acres of the old home place,
to the operation of which he devoted himself. Energetic and prac-
tical in his work, he was prospered and eventually accumulated an
estate of 243 acres, all located in Noble township and comprising
one of the choice farms in that section of the county. Here during
his active years he carried on general farming operations and stock
raising, but he is now retired from active labor and is residing in
New Salem. On January 9, 1879, Mr. Williams was married to
Ocea E. Matney, the daughter of Elijah and Adah (Roberts) Mat-
ney. To this union have been born three children, Chester O.,
Ada and Elmer, the last named of whom died on July 4, 1913.
Chester 0. Williams married Bessie Stone and has three children,
Thelma, Letha and John 0. Mrs. Ocea Williams was born in Noble
township. Her father was born and reared in Payette county,
Indiana, and after his marriage came to Rush county, locating in
Noble township, where he carried on farming operations during the
remainder of his life, owning at one time 220 acres of land. To him
and his wife were born eight children, six of whom are living,
namely: William F., John, Elijah, Dora, Mary and Ocea. The two
deceased are Edward and Malissa. Mr. Williams is a member of
94 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
the Christian church and in his political faith he is a Republican.
He has ever given his support to those things which have been for
the upbuilding of the community and his course has been such that
he has earned and enjoys the universal respect of the entire com-
munity. In the fall of 1914 Mr. Williams was elected treasurer of
Rush county and in that capacity served the county for two terms.
He also has rendered service to the public in other capacities; was
trustee of Noble township for five years and for some time super-
visor of roads in his home district.
WILLIAM J. BROWN, a substantial retired farmer of Orange
township, this county, now living at Milroy, was born in the neigh-
boring county of Shelby but has been a resident of Rush county for
many years, having moved to this county and established his home
not long after his marriage. He was born on a farm in Union town-
ship, Shelby county, August 30, 1850, son of William W. and Nancy
vLinville) Brown, both of whom also were born in that county, mem-
bers of pioneer families, and who spent their lives there. William
W. Brown was the youngest of the nine children born to Robert and
Catherine (Cotton) Brown, who were among the pioneer settlers of
Union township, Shelby county. Robert Brown in his day was known
far and wide as a mighty hunter. He cleared the land on which he set-
tled and effectually "blazed the way" for succeeding generations of
the family on that place and as his nine children mostly married and
reared families of their own the Brown family of that connection in
this region is no inconsiderable one in the present generation. Will-
iam W. Brown established his home in that section after his marriage
and became the owner of an excellent farm of 110 acres which he
improved and on which he spent his last days. He and his wife
were the parents of five children, four of whom are still living, those
besides the subject of this sketch being Franklin P., David E. and
Electa, wife of John Linville. Reared on the home farm in Shelby
county, William J. Brown became a farmer on his own account and
after his marriage at the age of twenty years established his home as
a renter in his home county, but presently came over into Rush
county and for twenty-seven years thereafter made his home on a
rented farm in Orange township. He then bought a farm of eighty
acres in that township but some time afterward sold that place and
bought the farm of 110 acres which he still owns there and on which
he made his home until his retirement from the farm and removal
in 1904 to Milroy, where he is now living and where he and his
family are very comfortably situated. Mr. Brown is a Democrat and
has ever given a proper degree of attention to local civic affairs,
but has not been a seeker after office. He and his wife are members
of the Christian church and have for years been interested in the
work of the same as well as in all neighborhood good works. It was
in 1870 that William J. Brown was united in marriage to Missouri F.
Hume, daughter of Benjamin Hume, a member of one of the old
families of Rush county, and to this union four children have been
born, Wilbur C, Harvey P., Stella and Clarence, all of whom are
still living and the first two named of whom are grandfathers in
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 95
their own right, thus giving their parents the distinction of being
great-grandparents. Wilbur C. Brown married Myrtle Paulus
and has two daughters, Mary, wife of Earl Harcourt, who has one
child, a son, Robert Lincoln, and Carrie, wife of Clifford Harcourt.
Harvey P. Brown married Rena Paulus and has one child, a daughter,
Marie, who married Glenn E. Foster, assistant cashier of the Peoples
National Bank of Rushville, and has one child, a son, Charles. Stella
Brown married Owen Harcourt, who died leaving her with one child,
a daughter, Cannie, who married William Ward. Mrs. Harcourt
later married Edward Barlow. Clarence Brown, the unmarried son,
is the cashier of the Milroy State Bank and has long been looked
upon as one of the progressive and enterprising business men of
that part of the county, ever interested in movements having to do
with the advancement of the commercial and industrial activities
of his home neighborhood, and, as his friends say of him, is "a
mighty fine fellow," which every one. must allow.
PETER KUNTZ, for many years a highly respected citizen and
prosperous farmer in Walker township, this county, was born in
that township on July 4, 1861, and died on his farm there on July
19, 1910. He was a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Weber) Kuntz,
both of whom were born in Germany and who came to the United
States in youth and were married at Cincinnati. Frederick Kuntz
was a well known farmer in Rush county and owned 176 acres of
fine land in Walker township. Peter Kuntz with his brothers
attended school in district No. 3, Walker township, after which he
faithfully assisted his father on the home farm until his own mar-
riage. He rented land from his father at first and later received
from him the forty-two acres on which Mrs. Peter Kuntz now resides.
Mr. Kuntz operated this farm very profitably, growing grain and pro-
duce and also raising stock. It was in August, 1894, that he married
Anna (Porten) Brooks, who was born in Decatur county, Indiana,
daughter of Henry and Mary (Mack) Porten. The father of Mrs.
Kuntz was a stonemason by trade. Her parents had five children and
she is one of the three survivors, having one sister, Mary, and one
brother, Nicholas. Mr. and Mrs. Kuntz had one child, Frank, who
died when nineteen years old. Mr. Kuntz was a member of the
Lutheran church in Shelby county. He belonged to the order of Red
Men and attended lodge at Arlington, where he was well known and
had many friends. He was never willing to accept a political office
but was always a staunch member of the Democratic party. By a
former marriage Mrs. Kuntz had one son, Albert Harry, who died at
Columbus, Ohio, barracks, having joined the army in 1913, passing
away shortly thereafter.
FRED E. CATT, one of the best known farmers and most suc-
cessful veterinary surgeons of western Rush county, a resident of
Posey township, is a native son of Rush county, having been born
in Center township on August 23, 1S79, and is the son of Harvey and
Abbie (Henley) Catt, the former a native of Hancock county,
Indiana, and the latter of Rush county. They were the parents of
five children, of whom those now living are Frank, Fred E., Walter
96 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
and Florence. The subject of this review attended the common
schools of Ripley township and the high school at Carthage. He then
entered the Indiana Veterinary College, at Indianapolis, where he
was graduated, after three years' study, in 1916, with the degree of
Veterinary Surgeon. After completing his professional course, he
returned to Posey township and continued to farm and practice his
profession. After his marriage in 1901 the subject engaged in farm-
ing on his own account, first renting land for about three years. He
then bought his grandfather Henley's farm of eighty acres, which
he operated for about three years, when he sold it and moved to
Arlington, where he remained about a year. He then bought the
splendid eighty-acre farm where he now lives in Posey township, and
he has made many permanent and substantial improvements on the
place, including the erection of new buildings, which have rendered
the place very attractive and comfortable. Mrs. Catt also inherited
a part of the farm where they live, so that the place now comprises
170 acres of land. Doctor Catt carries on general farming opera-
tions and also raises from 100 to 150 head of hogs annually. As a
veterinarian he has won an enviable reputation throughout this
section of the county and enjoys a large and successful practice.
On the 23d day of October, 1901, Doctor Catt was married to Nelle
Suitz, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, and is the daughter
of Frank and Mary (Reeves) Suitz. To Doctor and Mrs. Catt have
been born one child, Leroy S., who is now a farmer in Posey township
and who married Ruth Handy and has one child, Wilfred Nigh.
Politically, Doctor Catt gives his support to the Republican party.
Fraternally, he is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington.
NOAH O. MOORE, a well known farmer of Posey township, was
born in the township now honored by his citizenship, on February 18,
1876, and is the son of John F. and Rachel A. (Leisure) Moore,
both of whom also were born, reared and educated in Rush county.
John F. Moore, after completing his studies in the Arlington school,
turned his attention to farming and became the owner of ninety-seven
acres of land in Posey township. Of the four children born to him
and his wife, the subject of this sketch is now the only one living.
Noah 0. Moore received his educational training in the public school
at Arlington, and then he took up the vocation of farming, working
for his father on the home place until his marriage, after which he
began farming on his own account, renting 320 acres of land from his
father-in-law in Posey township. He operated this farm with success
for nineteen years, and then moved onto the place where he now lives
and which he received by inheritance. On this place he has placed
many permanent and substantial improvements, bringing it up to a
high standard of excellence, and here he has met with splendid siiecess
as a general farmer and stock raiser, so that some time ago he was
enabled to retire from active work and now has the farm rented. He
and his wife together own 204 acres of land in Posey township. On
March 9, 1900, Mr. Moore was married to Fannie P. Nelson, a native
of Rush county and the daughter of William H. and Elizabeth
m
h*
"- : '
FBSTUS HALL AND WIFE
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 97
(Adams) Nelson, and to them have been born two children, Wildean
0. and John L. Politically, Mr. Moore is a staunch supporter of the
Democratic party, while, fraternally, he is a member of Beech Grove
Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife
are active members of the Methodist Episcopal and Christian
churches respectively.
WILLIAM A. HALL, one of the most substantial farmers of
Ripley township, who is still carrying on operations of an extensive
character on his valuable property not far from Carthage, has been
a typical representative of the best and highest class in the agricul-
tural element of Rush county. Mr. Hall was born on the farm
which he now owns and operates, March 2, 1853, a son of Festus
and Maria (Abernathy) Hall, natives of the state of Ohio. Festus
Hall was engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout a long and
active career, principally in Rush county, where he was the owner
of 400 acres of valuable and productive land. He was also a man
of prominence and influence in his community, and in 1858 was
elected as representative of his district to the state legislature, in
which he served capably for one term, during which there was a
special session of the House. He at all times discharged faithfully
the highest duties of citizenship and friendship, and was accord-
ingly greatly esteemed among his fellow citizens. He and his wife
were *he parents of five children, three of whom survive, J. Chal-
me Frank L. and William A. Two died in infancy. J. Chalmers
Hi. j is identified with the Abernathy Furniture Company, of Kan-
sas City, Mo., manufacturers of and wholesale dealers in high-class
furniture. He married Elizabeth Barton, and is the father of one
son, Barton. Frank L. Hall is also identified with the same fur-
niture house, and is a member of the board of trustees of DePauw
University. He is unmarried. William A. Wall was given excellent
educational advantages in his youth, first attending the common
schoolhouse in Ripley township, later the high school at Knights-
town, and finally DePauw University, where he spent two years.
He then began farming on the home place, and in 1879, because of
the enfeebled condition of his father's health, assumed its man-
agement. After his father died, in 1880, he continued to operate
the farm as part owner and manager for his mother, and after the
death of the latter, October 27, 1896, bought out all the heirs to
the estate, and now is sole owner of the farm of 416 acres, one of
the largest and best in that part of Rush county. Although he is
now sixty-eight years old, he continues the operation of the land
with hired help, and in addition to carrying on farming in a suc-
cessful way has been a large grower of cattle, shipping about three
carloads annually, in addition to about 200 head of hogs. The
greater part of his agricultural work is done by tractors, as Mr.
Hall is a believer in the efficacy of modern inventions and the use
of up-to-date methods. Intelligent, practical, systematic, diligent,
persevering and provident in his farming operations, his career as
a farmer has reflected credit upon that vocation. Mr. Hall is a
7
98 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Republican. During his attendance at DePauw University he was
made a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
M. L. STEWART, a worthy native son of Rush county, one of
the best known citizens of Noble township and the scion of one of
the pioneer families of Rush county, was born in Richland township
on July -5, 1860, and is the son of Samuel and Amanda (Limpus;
Stewart, the former a native of Rush county and the latter of Fayette
county. Samuel Stewart was the son of Harvey and Mary (MeKee)
Stewart, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia.
They came to Rush county in their young days and were married
here, being numbered among the earliest settlers in this part of Rush
county. Samuel Stewart was reared to manhood in Noble township
and secured his educational training in the common schools of that
locality. In young manhood he went to Iowa, where he worked as a
farm hand for about three years, and during which time his marriage
took place. At the end of that period he returned to Rush county
and rented a farm, to which he devoted himself until his death, which
occurred in 1866. To Samuel and Amanda Stewart were born four
children, James, M. L., Edgar and Samuel. M. L. Stewart received
his education in the common schools of Noble township and on the
completion of his studies he went to Warren county, Iowa, where
he worked as a farm hand one year and then for two years operated
rented land. He then went to Scott county, Kansas, and pre-empted
160 acres. After remaining on this land three years, Mr. Stewart
returned to Rush county and rented a farm in 'Noble township,
which he operated until 1899, when he bought the place where he
now lives, his first purchase amounting to 100 acres, which he has
greatly improved in various respects, so that it is today numbered
among the up-to-date farms of Noble township. Here he has carried
on general farming and stock raising and has gained a reputation
as an enterprising and progressive agriculturist. Mr. Stewart was
married to Luella Kemptner, the daughter of William and Rebecca
Kemptner, to which union have been born three children, Paul, Ruby
and Samuel S. The mother of these children died on December 2,
1920. Paul Stewart married Anna Holton. Mr. Stewart is an
active member of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church and was
formerly a deacon. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, while his political affiliations are with the
Republican party.
JOSIAH BISHOP, a retired farmer, now living at Rushville.
was born in Union township, this county, December 15, 1842, and is
the only survivor of his parents' family of eight children. His
father, Purnel Bishop, was born in Maryland, and his mother, Julia
(Kiser) Bishop, was a native of Kentucky. They came early to
Rush county, traveling by wagon, and spent the rest of their lives
in Union township. By the time Josiah Bishop was old enough to
go to school, the Hinchman schoolhouse, near his father's farm had a
competent teacher, and after his school period was over he assisted
his father for a time, then bought the home place and conducted it.
himself during the last years of his father's life. In the course of
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 90
many years of agricultural activity, Mr. Bishop became the owner of
219 acres in the home place, 180 acres of this being in Union township
and thirty-nine acres in Jackson township, and another farm of sixty
acres in Union township. In addition to general farming, Mr. Bishop
was very successful in growing stock, raising cattle, hogs and sheep
quite extensively. On March 3, 1868, Josiah Bishop married Mary
E. Cline, who was born in Jackson township, this county, daughter of
Conrad and Sarah J. (Smith) Cline. The father of Mrs. Bishop
came alone from Kentucky to Rush county, while the mother was
brought here from the same state by her parents. Mr. Cline owned
a farm of 161 acres in Jackson township. Of his four children three
are living, Lewis J., Rachel and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop have
had six children, as follows: Alma, who is the wife of Greeley P.
Mauzy, of Rushville, a farmer of Jackson township, who had two
children, Chase and Grace, by a former marriage; Woodson C, a
farmer in Rushville township, who married Mary McGee; Thomas,
a farmer in Union township, who married Cora Webb, and has three
children, Laverne, Robert and Thomas; Estel C, an accountant resid-
ing at Indianapolis, who married Louise Ginn; Rice, who married
Mary J. Gray and rents his father's land and very successfully
operates it, and Rachel M. (deceased), who married Alonzo McGinn,
also now deceased, as is also their only child, Alma, who was born
on January 25, 1873, and died on June 18, 1917. Mr. Bishop has
never cared for political office, although for many years a vigorous
supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He is one
of the older members of the Ben Davis Christian Church.
GOLD I A CARR, who is engaged in the garage and transfer
business at Milroy, one of the best known business men in that part
of the county, was born in Rush county and has lived here all his
life with the exception of a period of about three years when, shortly
after his marriage, he was a resident of the neighboring county of
Decatur. He was born on a farm in Rushville township on July 28,
1884, son of Leander and Callie (Parson) Carr, the former of whom
also was born in this county, a member of one of the old families of
the county, and both of whom are still living. Leander Carr is a
son of George Carr, a Pennsylvanian, who established his home in
this county many years ago and became a substantial farmer. Reared
in this county, Leander Carr became engaged in farming on his own
account after his marriage to Callie Parson, who was born in Wabash
county, this state, and has continued farming, now the owner of a
well kept farm of eighty acres in Anderson township. To him and
his wife, four children have been born, two of them are living, the
subject of this sketch and Urmston Carr. Reared on the farm, Goldia
Carr received his schooling in the schools of Anderson township.
After his marriage he bought a small farm in Decatur county and
was there engaged in farming for about three years, at the end of
which time he returned to this county and rented a farm in Anderson
township. A year later he moved to Milroy and was for five years
thereafter engaged in the garage of Logan Parson. He then started
a garage of his own in a building 20 by 40 feet, giving special atten-
100 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
tion to repair work, and his business grew so rapidly that in the
following year he found it necessary to seek larger quarters. He then
moved into the old Mercer livery barn, a building 41 by 87, remodeled
the same to suit his needs and has ever since been engaged in business
at that location, doing a general garage, repair and transfer business.
Mr. Carr started with one truck and now has five trucks and employs
eight men in his business. Goldia Carr has been twice married. In
1905 he was united in marriage to Lena Fidler, who died in 1913.
leaving one child, a son, Leonard. In 1917 Mr. Carr married Bertha
Ray, daughter of Louis Ray, and to this union one child has been born,
a daughter, Thelma. Mr. and Mrs. Carr are members of the Christian
church and take a proper interest in the work of the same. In his
political views Mr. Carr is a Republican. Fraternally, he is affil-
iated with the local lodges of the Masons, the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of
Pythias, and in the affairs of these several organizations takes an
active interest.
PLEASANT A. NEWHOUSE, former county commissioner and
one of those farmers of Rush county who have gained the respect
and friendship of their fellow citizens, is a native of Rush county,
having been born in Jackson township, May 30, 1861, the son of
Lewis J. and Mary (Hackleman) Newhouse. Lewis J. Newhouse
was also born in this county, in Union township, May 23, 1824, the
son of Samuel and Polly (Kitchen) Newhouse, natives of Virginia.
Samuel Newhouse, who was the son of John and Elizabeth Newhouse,
came to Rush county from Franklin county in 1821, entering eighty
acres of timbered land in Union township. In 1837 he sold his farm,
and bought a larger one of 240 acres in Jackson township where he
spent the remainder of his days. Lewis J. Newhouse grew to man-
hood amid pioneer surroundings, and at the age of twenty-one began
farming for himself. On April 17, 1849, he married Mary A. Hackle-
man, a daughter of Richard and Hannah Hackleman, pioneers of this
county, and to their union were born five children : Hannah M.
(deceased) ; Marshall E. (deceased) ; Elbert O., Samuel R., who is
living in Jackson township, and Pleasant A. Lewis J. Newhouse had
started out with eighty acres of land, most of which was paid for
by ditching for twelve hours a day, and before his death he had
increased his holdings to 400 acres by constant application to business.
After the death of his first wife, he married Nancy Pouge and they
became the parents of five children, Alfred M., who is living in
Illinois; Harvey M., who is living in Center township, this county;
Almeda, Schuyler C, who is living in West Virginia, and Erasmus
T. (deceased). Pleasant A. Newhouse was educated at the Kinning
school house in Jackson township, upon leaving which he took up
farming in association with his father until his marriage. He then
engaged in agricultural operations for himself in Washington town-
ship, where he remained for four years, when he moved back to
Jackson township and bought eight acres of land. By careful atten-
tion and modern methods he has made a splendid success, having
increased his property to 230 acres lying in Jackson and Noble town-
THOMAS W. LOGAN
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 101
ships, where he does a general farming and stock raising business,
feeding out from fifty to 100 head of hogs per year. In 1881 Mr.
Newhouse was married to Maggie Mauzy, a daughter of Peter and
Jane (Wilson) Mauzy, and they are the parents of one child, a son,
Charles L., who married Anna Caldwell. In his fraternal affiliations
Mr. Newhouse is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Masons. Politically he is one of the leading Republicans in
the district, and in 1914 his services to the party and his exceptional
managerial ability were rewarded by his election to the office of
county commissioner of Rush county, in which capacity he served two
terms, his term of service expiring on December 31, 1920.
THOMAS W. LOGAN, in whom the business of general farm-
ing and stock raising, under the favorable conditions offered in
Richland township, has an enthusiastic and successful follower, is
a member of a family which has been represented in agriculture in
Rush county for many years. Mr. Logan was born in Richland
township on October 10, 1863, a son of James W. and Hester
(Welman) Logan, also natives of this county. James W. Logan
received his education in the public schools, and upon entering upon
his independent career chose as his life vocation the occupation of
farming, which he followed with much success, at one time being
the owner of 871 acres, all located within the boundaries of the
county. He was a man of thrift and industry, qualities which he
had inherited from his parents, James and Elizabeth Logan, na-
tives of Scotland, who had emigrated to Noble township,
Rush county, at an early date, being married soon thereafter.
James Logan entered 160 acres of land from the Government
at the time of his arrival, and he and his wife completed use-
ful and honorable careers here. James W. Logan was not only a
man of prominence because of his material success, but because of
his recognized qualities of integrity and public spirit, which caused
his fellow citizens to elect him township trustee two terms. He
and his wife were the parents of three children, Thomas W., Edgar
E. and Jesse. The educational advantages of Thomas W. Logan
were acquired in the district schools of Richland township, after
leaving which he took up farming and remained as his father's
associate on the home place for nearly four years. He was then
married and commenced farming on a part of his present property,
in the same township, and to this he has added from time to time
until he now has 225 acres. Mr. Logan is engaged in general farm-
ing and stock raising, shipping about 150 hogs annually. He is
intelligent, progressive and enterprising in his methods and the
success which has attended his efforts is the direct result of his
own efforts. On March 15, 1898, Mr. Lognn married Leah Ella,
daughter of Mahlon and Caroline Brooks, and they have one child,
Clifton Warder, who resides with his parents on the home farm
and acts as his father's assistant. The family is affiliated with the
Methodist Protestant church at New Kalein and Mr. Logan takes an
active part in the work thereof, being steward mid treasurer of the
102 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
church and treasurer of the Sunday school. He is a Democrat.
Mrs. Logan was born in Richland township, her parents having
settled there upon coming over into this country from Franklin
county. Mahlon Brooks, her father, was a substantial farmer and
the owner of a quarter of a section of land. He was twice married
and by his first marriage had one child, a daughter, Emily. By
his second wife, Caroline, he had three daughters, Mrs. Logan and
her sisters, Eva and Cora. The Brookses were members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
JOSEPH B. KINSINGER, D. 0., city health officer at Rush-
ville and one of the best known osteopath physicians in Indiana, is a
native of Iowa, but has been a resident of Indiana long enough to
feel thoroughly adjusted to his Hoosier environment and to enjoy the
same very much indeed. He was born on July 9, 1868, son of Daniel
and Mary (Miller) Kinsinger, the latter of whom was a native of the
Dominion of Canada. Daniel Kinsinger was born in Germany but
came to America at the age of fourteen years. He grew to manhood
in the state of Iowa and there became successfully engaged in farming.
He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, all of whom are
still living save one, Daniel; the others, besides the subject of this
biographical narrative, being Phoebe, Christopher, William, John,
Michael, Edward, Anna, Katherine and Rebecca. Reared on a farm
in Iowa, Doctor Kinsinger supplemented the schooling he received
in the common schools by a course of two years at the Southern Iowa
State Normal School and two years at Drake University, majoring in
pharmacy, and for six years thereafter was engaged in the practice
of pharmacy at Bloomfield, Iowa. In the meantime his attention had
been powerfully attracted to the practice of human healing as exem-
plified by the osteopathic school and he presently entered the Ameri-
can School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Mo., from which he was
graduated after a four years' course. Thus admirably equipped for
the practice of the profession to which he had devoted his talents
Doctor Kinsinger opened an office at St. Joseph, Mo., but after six
months of residence there determined to seek a wider field and in
pursuit of this determination came to Indiana and located at Indian-
apolis. A year later he moved to Rushville, opened an office there
and has ever since been engaged in practice at that place, where he
has done very well. The Doctor is a Republican and lias been serv-
ing as city health officer since 1917. In 1897, at Kirksville, Mo., Dr.
Joseph B. Kinsinger was united in marriage to Belle Honser, who was
born at that place, and to this union have been born three children,
Brenda and Marion, who are now (1921) students in the Rushville
high school, and Richard, who died at the age of nine years. Doctor
and Mrs. Kinsinger are members of the Christian church and take a
proper interest in church work as well as in the general social activi-
ties of their home town, helpful in promoting all local movements
having to do with the advancement of the common good. The Doctor
is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and of the
Indiana Society of Osteopathy and in the activities of both these pro-
organizations takes a warm interest. Fraternally, he is a
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 103
York Rite Mason, past eminent commander of Rushville Commandery,
No. 49, Knights Templar, and is also a member of the local lodges
of the Knights of Pythias and of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks.
WALTER S. MANSFIELD, proprietor of the leading general
store at Milroy and long recognized as one of the most progressive
business men of that place, was born at Milroy and has lived there
most of his life. He was born on December 2, 1872, son of Frank S.
and Susan (Early wine) Mansfield, the latter of whom was born iu
Nicholas county, Kentucky, and had come here with her parents in
the days of her girlhood. Frank S. Mansfield was born at Dunkirk,
N. Y., and grew to manhood there, becoming an expert spinner. As
a young man he came to Indiana and became engaged as a spinner
in the old woolen mill at Milroy. When that institution was closed
down on account of the more general distribution of the products of
the greater mills of the East he became engaged as a carpenter
hereabout, spending the "off" seasons running a huckster wagon
throughout this region and thus became widely known throughout this
whole country side. Frank S. Mansfield married not long after
coming to Rush county and he and his wife spent their last days at
Milroy. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are
still living, the subject of this sketch having two sisters, Myrtle and
Mary, and a brother, William Mansfield. Ella, Carl and John 0.
are deceased. Reared at Milroy, Walter S. Mansfield received his
schooling in the excellent schools of that village and as a young man
became engaged in "railroading," a vocation he followed for two
years, at the end of which time he located at Anderson, Ind., and
was for eight years there engaged in the employ of the American
Steel Wire Company. All the time, however, the call of the old
home town was ever sounding in his ears and upon leaving the wire
company's employ he returned to Milroy and opened a grocery store
there, a business he maintained for twelve years, at the end of which
time he sold the store and became engaged in the restaurant business
at Milroy. Two years later he sold the restaurant and in 1917 opened
the general merchandise store which he since has been very success-
fully conducting. Mr. Mansfield has a well-stocked store, carrying
the only line of general merchandise in Milroy and conducts his
store along up-to-date lines, ever striving to keep up with the growing
demands of the local trade. His store room is 60 by 100 feet in
dimensions and is admirably equipped and well stocked. In 1896
Webster married Hallie M. Mull, who was born in Walker township,
ter of the late James P. Archey, further mention of whom is made
in this volume, and to this union two children have been born,
Carlos and Camilla. Carlos Mansfield married Ina McGuire
and has one child, a daughter, Marie. The Mansfields have
a pleasant home at Milroy and have ever taken an interested part in
the general social activities of their home town. Mr. Mansfield is a
Republican and takes a proper interest in local civic affairs. Fra-
ternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Modern Wood-
men of America and of the Red Men.
104 HISTORY OF EUSH COUNTY
EDWARD HOLMAN, an enterprising citizen and substantial
agriculturist of Rush county, was born in Noble township on Feb-
ruary 14, 1869, and is the son of Joseph and Martha (Wellman)
Holman, the latter being also a native of Noble township. Joseph
Holman was bom in the state of New Jersey, the son of James and
Frances Holman, who brought their family to Rush county in an
early day, settling in Noble township. Here Joseph Holman grew
to manhood and received his education in the common schools of this
community. He followed the vocation of farming all his life and
became the owner of 240 acres of good land. To him and his wife
were born three children, Lot, John and Edward. Edward Holman
was reared under the paternal roof and attended the schools of Noble
township. After leaving school he worked on the home farm until
his marriage, when he rented a part of his father's farm and culti-
vated that until his father 's death, at which time the farm was divided
and Mr. Holman received eighty acres of land. To the operation
of this land he has since devoted himself and has met with a gratify-
ing measure of success. He carries on general farming operations
and also gives some attention to live stock, feeding about 150 hogs
a year. He has put many permanent and substantial improvements
on the farm, which is numbered among the good farm homes of this
locality. Mr. Holman is energetic and a good manager and enjoys
the respect and confidence of all who know him. In 1899 Mr. Hol-
man was married to Frances Stark, the daughter of Henry and
Amanda Stark. Mr. and Mrs. Holman are active members of the
Methodist Protestant church at New Salem, and, politically, he gives
staunch support to the Republican party.
C. H. TOMPKINS, a well known business man of Rushville.
dealer in implements and local agent for the Oldsmobile Automobile
Company, was born in Milroy, this county, June 2, 1878, the son of
J. W. and Palma (Stewart) Tompkins, the former of this county,
the latter a native of Kentucky. J. W. Tompkins grew to manhood
and was educated in the public schools in the county, and then took
up farming operations and stock buying, becoming well known
throughout the community as a man in whom trust could be placed.
He was elected sheriff and served the county in that capacity for two
terms, at the completion of which he commenced the implement busi-
ness that his son is proprietor of today. This enterprise prospered
under his astute management for over thirty years, or until the time
of his death. In his younger years he had for a considerable perioil
been engaged in carrying the mail from Rushville to Greensburg,
there having at that time been no rail connection between the two
towns. He and his wife were the parents of six children, four of
whom are now living, Nellie, R. L., A. W., and the subject of this
biography. C. H. Tompkins attended the common schools at Milroy
and the high school at Rushville, and upon finishing his education
worked in a grocery store until the time of his marriage. He then
engaged in farming in Jackson township for a period of ten years
at the expiration of which he located in New Mexico for three years.
Returning to Rushville, he worked with his father, and upon the
RESIDENCE OP ALLEN JACKMAN
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 105
latter 's death became proprietor of the implement business. Since
that time he has added to it considerably, carrying a general line of
farm implements and harness, as well as being the local agent of
the Oldsmobile automobile, of which he has sold a goodly number.
He married Jessie Kennedy, a daughter of E. L. Kennedy, a leading
contractor of Rushville, and to this union has been born one child.
John K. Mr. Tompkins has been through all the chairs of the Knights
of Pythias lodge and is also a member of the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks. The principles of the Republican party coin-
cide most nearly with Mr. Tompkins ' political views, and he is counted
among the supporters of that party.
ALLEN JACKMAN, one of the best known and most substan-
tial retired farmers of Anderson township, this county, now living
at Milroy, where he has made his home for more than a quarter of
a century, is a member of one of the old families of Rush county
and has lived here all his life. He formerly and for years was
engaged in cattle buying throughout this section and has a wide
acquaintance hereabout. Mr. Jackman was born on the place on
which he is now living in Milroy on May 6, 1849, son of John and
Caroline (Tompkins) Jackman, the latter of whom was born in
this county, member of one of the pioneer families of the Milroy
neighborhood. John Jackman was a blacksmith who came over
here from Franklin county and set vip the first blacksmith shop in
the then budding village of Milroy. He followed that trade there
for several years and then bought a farm and thereafter devoted
himself to farming and live stock raising, becoming the owner of a
fine farm of 268 acres, and was long regarded as one of the most
substantial residents of that section. He and his wife were the
parents of six children, of whom but two are now living, Mr. Jack-
man having a sister, Bessie, wife of Oliver Smith. Reared at Milroy,
Allen Jackman received his schooling in the little old log school-
house which served the village children in those days and as a lad
became a valued assistant to his father in the labors of developing
the home farm. He married at the age of twenty and then started
farming on his own account, presently becoming the owner of a
small farm, the acreage of which he gradually increased as his
affairs prospered until he became the owner of a fine farm of 172
acres in Anderson township, which place he still owns, and there
he remained, engaged in farming and cattle buying, until in 1893,
when he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to
Milroy, resuming his home on the place where he was born, and has
ever since resided there, he and his family being comfortably
situated. It was on November 18, 1869, that Allen Jackman was
united in marriage to Frances Winship, who also was born in An-
derson township, this county, a member of one of the old families,
and to this union two children have been born, Dora F., who mar-
ried Nellie Patton and has one child, a son, Lawrence, and John,
who married Mary Tompkins and has two children, Frank and Ned.
Mrs. Jackman 's parents, Jesse and Esther (Murphy) Winship, also
106 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
were born in Rush county, their respective parents having been
among the real pioneers of the county. Jesse Winship was a son
of Jesse Winship, Sr., who was one of the early settlers of the Milroy
neighborhood and a man of much influence hereabout in his gen-
eration, as is set out elsewhere in this volume, together with further
details of the Winship family in this county. The younger Jesse
Winship, father of Mrs. Jackman, became a substantial farmer,
the owner of an excellent farm of 320 acres and also exercised a
helpful influence upon the community in his generation. He and
his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom but two are
now living, Mrs. Jackman having a brother, James Winship. Mr.
and Mrs. Jackman are members of the Christian church and Mr.
Jackman has for years been an elder in the church, and for some
years was treasurer of the board of trustees. He is an ardent Re-
publican and has ever taken an interested part in local political
affairs, but has not been an office seeker.
WILLIAM B. WEBSTER, a well known general farmer of Walker
township, this county, was born in that township on August 4, 1877,
a son of John L. and Annetta (Linville) Webster. His father was a
farmer in Rush county all his life. His mother was born in North
Carolina. They had five children, Mary, Augusta, Elizabeth, Will-
iam B. and Jacob II., all living except the latter. William B. Webster
attended school in district No. 3, Walker township, then worked
with and for his father on the home farm until his own marriage.
At that time he rented land and operated it for twelve years, at the end
of that time buying his present excellent farm of eighty acres. Here
he follows diversified farming, keeps from six to eight cows and raises
annually about seventy-five head of hogs. On December 5, 1900, Mr.
Webster married Hallie M. Mull, who was born in Walker township,
this county, daughter of Omar and Ada (Lines) Mull. Mr. and Mrs.
Webster have two children, Harry W. and Donald M., both of whom
are attending school at Homer. Mr. Webster and his family attend
the Christian church at Manilla. He is a member of the Masonic-
lodge and also the Modern Woodmen at Manilla. Politically he is a
Democrat.
MICAJAH S. SHROPSHIRE, who died at his home in Rush-
ville in the summer of 1915 in the eightieth year of his age, was in
his day one of the best known men in Rush county and it is but
fitting that in this volume of biography relating to the old families
of this county some modest tribute should be thus paid to his memory.
Mr. Shropshire had served for a time as deputy sheriff of Rush
county and in other ways had rendered efficient public service. As
a blacksmith for many years in the days when a smithy was some-
thing more than a place for shoeing horses he had worked faithfully.
a skilled craftsman in iron working, and his industry and skill
brought to his place a trade covering a wide territory about Rush-
ville, so that he had a wide and influential acquaintance hereabout.
Mr. Shropshire was a Kentuckian by birth, born in the Blue Grass
state on March 30, 1836, son of Moses Aaron Shropshire, who was
also born in Kentucky, a member of a pioneer family in that state.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 107
Micajah Shropshire came to this county in 1850 and took up the
blacksmith trade. In due time after acquiring the trade he opened a
shop of his own in Rushville and there continued actively engaged
in the business as long as his physical strength would permit. After
his retirement Mr. Shropshire continued to make his home in Rush-
ville and there spent his last days, his death occurring on August
11, 1915, and he was buried in East Hill cemetery, beside the three
children who had preceded him to the grave. Mr. Shropshire was an
ardent Democrat and for many years gave his earnest attention to
local political affairs. He served for one term as deputy sheriff of
Rush county years ago and had many interesting stories to tell of
incidents that came to his official notice during that term of service.
He was a member of the Christian church and, fraternally, was
affiliated with the P. 0. S. of A. On July 13, 1882, Micajah Shrop-
shire was united in marriage to Mary A. Matlock, who was born in
this county, daughter of Thomas S. and Mary (Alexander) Matlock,
and to that union were born three children, Blount, Lee and Noah,
all of whom died in infancy.
JAMES FISHER, a substantial farmer of Richland township,
who died at his home in that township in the fall of 1916 and whose
widow is now living at Milroy, was one of the most widely known
men in Rush county in his day. For many years he had operated
a threshing machine in season throughout this region, thus acquiring
a wide acquaintance among the farmers and for some time also he
had served the public as trustee of his home township, this official
service tending further to extend his acquaintance and as "Squire"
Fisher he was widely known hereabout, and in his passing left a good
memory, for he had many friends who will not soon forget him.
Mr. Fisher was born on a farm in Richland township on March 17,
1853, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Fisher, both of whom also were
born in this county, members of pioneer families in the Richland
neighborhood, and who were useful and influential members of the
community of which they were life-long residents. Jacob Fisher,
the pioneer, and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom
the subject of this memorial sketch was the second in order of birth,
and as most of these reared families of their own the Fisher con-
nection hereabout in the present generation is a no inconsiderable one.
Reared on the home farm in Richland township, James Fisher com-
pleted his schooling in the old Richland Academy and from the days
of his boj'hood continued actively interested in agricultural pursuits.
After his marriage he bought a farm of seventy-five acres in Anderson
and Richland townships, west of Richland, and on that place estab-
lished his home, remaining there until his death on October 21, 1916.
When he was fourteen years of age James Fisher began to "follow'*
a threshing outfit and the work had a fascination for him that kept
him at it during each successive season until he became a man when
be bought an outfit of his own and was thereafter engaged during
seasons in threshing throughout this part of the state, his operations
carrying him over into Franklin and Decatur counties besides the
considerable territory covered by him in Rush county. In addition
108 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
to his general farming he also gave considerable attention to the
raising of live stock and did well in his operations, so that at the
time of his death he had quite a snng piece of property. Mr. Fisher
was an ardent Republican and ever gave close attention to local
political affairs, serving for some years as trustee of Richland town-
ship and bringing to the duties of this office an intelligent apprecia-
tion of the public needs in respect thereto. In his fraternal affilia-
tion Mr. Fisher was a Mason and took a warm interest in the affairs
of the local lodge of that ancient organization. On September 20.
1876, James Fisher was united in marriage to Elizabeth Glass, who
also was born in Richland township, a member of one of the old fami-
lies there, and to this union two children were born, Maude, who
married George Keisling and has one child, a son, Howard Fiske'/
Keisling, and Wilbur, who married Grace Clark and has two chil-
dren, Helen and Hazel. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Fisher
has made her home at Milroy where she is very comfortably and very
pleasantly situated. As noted above, she is a member of one of the
old families in that neighborhood, her parents, George D. and Mary
(Caskey) Glass, having been but children when their respective
parents came to Rush county and settled in Richland township, the
Glasses coming from Kentucky and the Caskeys from Virginia.
George D. Glass and Mary Caskey were married in Richland town-
ship and there spent their last days, useful and respected residents
of the community in which they established their home after their
marriage. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are
still living, those besides Mrs. Fisher being Jennie, Emma and Joseph.
JACOB WISSING, Sr., farmer and stockraiser in Walker town-
ship, this county, was born in Germany on November 18, 1844, a son
of George and Barbara (Becker) Wissing, who came to the United
States in 1856. Of their five children two are living, Lena and Jacob.
Jacob Wissing was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents
to this country and before that had attended school in Germany.
Like his father he became a farmer, working on different farms by
the year until 1866 when he was married and for ten years after
that he operated rented land. He then bought eighty acres of his
present farm in Walker township and to his first purchase kept add-
ing until he had 333 acres, and has long been considered one
of the substantial farmers of his township. He has always carried
on general farming and has also turned off many head of stock every
year. On November 18, 1866, Jacob Wissing married Caroline Hert-
zel, who was born in Rush county, daughter of Christian and Salome
(Bayer) Hertzel. Mr. and Mrs. Wissing have had eight children,
Jacob A, Henry C, John M., George E., Frederick W., Elizabeth,
who died at the age of twenty-three years, and two who died in child-
hood. Henry C. Wissing, a farmer in Rush county, married Lena
Soble and has a daughter, Margaret. John M. Wissing, a farmer in
Rush county, married Dena Webster and has four children, Howard.
Leslie, Annetta and Ellis. George E. Wissing, a farmer in Rush
county, married Lena Kney. and has three children, Helen, Carolina
and Wallace. Frederick W. Wissing, a farmer in Henry county,
WILLIAM s. McCRORY
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 109
married Ida Phillips, and has three children, Minna, Owen and
Elmer. Jacob Wissing is a member of Zion church. Politically, he
has always been a Democrat.
WILLIAM S. McCRORY, an honored veteran of the Civil war
and a substantial farmer and landowner of Union township, who
died at his farm home in that township more than twenty years ago
and whose widow is still living there, is still well remembered by
the older generation in that community and it is fitting that there
should be earned in this volume of biographies relating of the old
families of Rush county some modest tribute to his memory. Mr.
McCrory was a Hoosier, born, and all his life was spent in this state.
He was born on a farm in the Glenwood neighborhood over in the
neighboring county of Fayette on November 25, 1832, a son of
Robert and Salina (Saxon) McCrory, the latter of whom was born
in the state of Georgia, and who was but a small girl when she
came to Indiana with her parents in pioneer times hereabout. Rob-
ert McCrory was a native of Ireland who came to America with his
parents when he was but a lad, the family locating in Pennsylvania,
where he grew to manhood. As a young man he came out to Indi-
ana and located in Fayette county, where he presently married and
established his home, one of the pioneers of the Glenwood neighbor-
hood, and on their farm there he and his wife spent the remainder
of their lives. Of the eleven children born to them all are now
dead, but their descendants in the third and fourth generation are
numerously represented hereabout. William S. McCrory "grew
up" on the home farm over in Fayette county and received his
schooling in the somewhat primitive local schools of that period.
As a young man he continued farming with his father arid was
living on the home place when the Civil war broke out. He en-
listed his services in behalf of the cause of the Union and went to
the front as a member of L Company, Second Indiana Cavalry, with
which gallant command he served for more than two years. Among
the numerous engagements in which Mr. McCrory participated
was the battle of Stone River in December, 1862, in which 1,730
Union soldiers were killed, 7,802 wounded and 3,717 listed as "miss-
ing," this having been accounted one of the bloodiest battles in
the history of warfare, the above figures not taking into account
the losses on the Confederate side, which also were enormous.
Upon the completion of his military service Mr. McCrory returned
home and resumed his place on his father's farm, remaining there
until his marriage at the age of thirty-five, after which he came
over into Rush county and established his home on the farm in
Union township on which his widow is still living. He started there
with ninety-three acres but later increased his holdings to about
160 acres and was long accounted one of the substantial farmers
of that vicinity. On that place Mr. McCrory spent his last days, his
death occurring on August 12, 1899. He was an active member of
the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and was also a
member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
110 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
lows, in the affairs of both of which organizations he took a warm
interest. It was on November 19, 1868, that William S. McCrory
was united in marriage to Adaline Wikoff, who was born in this
county, a daughter of Garrett and Nancy (Groves) Wikoff, mem-
bers of pioneer families in this part of the state, and to this union
were born two daughters, Lina and Nannie, the latter of whom is
unmarried and continues to make her home with her mother. Lina
McCrory married Samuel J. McClure, a well known farmer of Union
township, and has four children, Grace, Velma, William and Helen,
the first named of whom married Harvey Arnold and has one child,
a son, Harvey, Jr., Mrs. McCrory thus having a great-grandchild
to help gladden the pleasant "evening time" of her life.
WALDO DRAPER, a farmer of Rush county who has achieved
success along steady lines of action, was born in Posey township, this
county, on March 5, 1888, and is the son of James and Millie V.
(Nelson) Draper, both of whom also were born and reared in Posey
township. Mr. Draper has followed farming throughout his active
life. The Draper farm contains 159 acres of land in Posey township.
To James Draper and his wife were born nine children, all of whom
are living, namely: Ollie, Cora, Nellie, Waldo, Pearl, Alphonzo.
Ozro, Millie and Emerson. Waldo Draper attended the Beaver
Meadow school in Posey township and secured a good practical edu-
cation. He has been identified with farming operations from his
boyhood days and he remained on the home place, assisting his father,
until about three years prior to his marriage, and during this inter-
vening period he was employed in the neighborhood as a farm hand.
After his marriage, Mr. Draper went to Shelby county, where he
rented a farm, which he operated for a time, but subsequently he
returned to Rush county and located on the farm which he now
cultivates, and which he rents from his mother. The farm consists
of 159 acres, the land being well adapted to general farming pur-
poses, and in addition to the raising of field crops, Mr. Draper also
gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of registered
Poland China hogs and also some grades, handling about seventy-five
hogs annually. Mr Draper is enterprising and up-to-date in his
farming methods and is meeting with pronounced success. On Sep-
tember 10, 1911, Mr. Draper was married to Fannie E. Lightner.
who was born in Floyd county, Indiana, the daughter of Pleasant
and Josephine (Robinson) Lightner, the former a native of Pennsyl-
vania and the latter of Floyd county. Mr. and Mrs. Lightner had
two children, Charles and Fannie. To Mr. and Mrs. Draper have
been born three children, Glenn F., Beatrice M. and Leonard W.
Politically, Mr. Draper is a staunch supporter of the Democratic
party. Though he has no aspiration for public office, he is an intel-
ligent supporter of every movement having for its object the advance-
ment of the general welfare.
A. J. PERKINS, a native son of Rush county, where his entire
life has been passed, and one of the representative citizens of the
vicinity, a worthy scion of one of our sterling pioneer families, who
is now engaged in the general mercantile business at New Salem, Ind.,
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 111
was born in Noble township, this county, on March 30, 1881, and
is a son of Henry and Sarah (McComas) Perkins, the former also a
native of Rush county, and the latter born in Hancock county.
Indiana. Henry Perkins was the son of Jehu and Pollie (Lyons'!
Perkins, who became settlers in Rush county in an early day. Henry
Perkins was reared to manhood in Noble township and on attaining
mature years he took up the vocation of farming, which he followed
throughout his active life. Of the five children who blessed the
union of himself and wife, four are now living, namely : Dean Fore,
Charles, A. J. and James. A. J. Perkins received a good practical
education in the public schools of Noble township and after leaving
school devoted his efforts to teaming until 1906, when he obtained
employment as a clerk in a general store at Orange. At the end of
a year he engaged in business for himself at that place, continuing
it for four years. Then, selling this store, in 1911, Mr. Perkins
moved to New Salem and bought the A. P. Wellman general store
In February, 1912, Mr. Perkins enlarged the scope of the business
by adding a hardware and implement department, in which he has
put a large and well selected stock of both shelf and heavy hardware
and allied lines. Every department of his store receives the same
careful attention and, because of his strict adherence to the highest
standards of business ethics in his relations with the buying public.
Mr. Perkins enjoys a large and constantly growing trade as well as
the confidence and esteem of the people generally. Mr. Perkins was
married to Clara Medd, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Medd,
and they have one child, Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins are earnest
members of the Methodist Protestant church, and in politics Mr.
Perkins gives his support to the Republican party. Genial in manner
and generous in disposition, Mr. Perkins is deservedly popular in the
circles in which he moves.
HENRY V. LOGAN, M. D., a well known physician of Rush-
ville, who served during the period of America's participation in
the world war as first lieutenant stationed at Ft. Riley, Kans., is a
native son of Rush county, a member of one of the county's old
families, and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in
Noble township on February 4, 1873, son of Samuel H. and Martha
A. (McKee) Logan, both also born in this county and the latter of
whom is still living. Samuel H. Logan also was born in Noble town-
ship, son of James and Elizabeth Logan, the former of whom was a
native of Ireland who had come to this country with his parents when
a boy and who, as a young man, acquired a quarter of a section of
land in Noble township, this county, where he established his home
and where he and his wife spent their last days, honored pioneers of
that community. James Logan and wife were the parents of eight
children, Thomas, John, Oliver, Wai-der, Samuel, Jonas, Alice and
Abigail, and as most of these remained in this county the Logan
connection hereabout in this generation is a no inconsiderable one.
Samuel II. Logan completed his schooling in the old Richland Acad-
emy and as a young man began farming on his own farm of 160
acres in Richland township, continuing there for five years, at the
112 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
end of which time he bought the old George Street homestead place
of 260 acres, where he established his permanent home and where he
spent the remainder of his life, his death occuring in 1918. Samuel
H. Logan and wife were the parents of four children, three of whom
are living, the Doctor, his brother, Wilbur Logan, and his sister,
Mary E. Logan, who for the past thirty years has been engaged as ft
missionary in India, acting under the direction of the Presbyteriar.
board of missions. The other son, James "Walter Logan, died at the
age of twenty- three years in 1902. Wilbur Logan is still living on
the old home place in Noble township. He married Nellie Wilson,
daughter of John and Nora Wilson, of that township, and has two
sons, Alfred and Russell, the former of whom is married and is
living on the home place. Doctor Logan was reared on the homi'
farm in Noble township, receiving his early schooling in the excellent
schools of that neighborhood and early turned his attention to the
study of medicine. He completed his studies in the medical college
of Indiana University and upon receiving his degree opened an office
for the practice of his profession in the pleasant village of New
Salem. That was in 1897 and Doctor Logan remained there for
thirteen years, or until 1910 when he moved to Rushville, where he
opened an office and where he has ever since been engaged in prac-
tice. Following the entrance of the United States into the World
war against Teutonic arrogance in 1917 Doctor Logan enlisted his
services in the medical corps of the national army, was commis
sioned a first lieutenant and was assigned to duty in connection with
the operations of the base hospital, located at Ft. Riley, Kans. In
1896 Dr. Henry V. Logan was united in marriage to Bertha Carney,
who also was born in this county, daughter of William and Sarah
(Guff in) Carney, of Noble township, and to this union three children
have been born, but one of whom is living, Olive Louise, born in 1909.
Doctor and Mrs. Logan are members of the Christian church and
have ever taken an interested part in church affairs as well as in
the general social affairs of their home community. The Doctor is
a Democrat and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local
civic affairs. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the local lodges of
the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias at Rush-
ville and takes a proper interest in the affairs of these organizations.
FRANK M. COFFIN, who was for many years a resident of
Carthage, where he was identified with commercial affairs, and who
for eight years was engaged in engineering work on forts for the
United States Government, was born in Shelby county, Indiana,
March 31, 1855, a son of Elihu and Nancy (Jessup) Coffin, natives
of North Carolina. Not long after their marriage, the parents of
Mr. Coffin removed to Shelby county, Indiana, later to Hancock
county, where they rounded out long and honorable careers in the
pursuits of farming, and where both passed away. Frank M. Coffin
was educated in the public schools of Shelby county and remained
on the home farm with his father until he reached the age of twenty
years, when, in 1875, he went to Carthage, this county, and became a
salesman in the grocery of a brother, E. T. Coffin. From that time
KOI'.KKT IIITCIIIXSOX
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 113
forward until his death, which occurred on May 21, 1912, he was
connected with business affairs there, particularly pertaining to the
grocery business, and established a substantial reputation for integ-
rity and high business principles. He was a Scottish Rite Mason
and a Republican in politics, and his religious faith was that of the
Friends, the Meeting of which he attended at Carthage. On May 24,
18S3, Mr. Coffin was united in marriage to Ella J. Cox, who was
born at Carthage, and who after completing her early education
here in the public schools attended DePauw University. She is a
daughter of Rice P. and Eunice (Henley) Cox, natives of Carthage.
One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Coffin, Hazel E., the wife of L.
Douglas Cooper, a farmer of Ripley township, this county.
ELMER HUTCHINSON, owner of a prosperous grain elevator
at Arlington, was born in Posey township, this county, on August
31, 1873, and is the son of Robert and Margaret (Moore) Hutchin-
son, both of whom were natives of Indiana, the former of Franklin
county and the latter of Rush county. Robert Hutchinson was
educated in the state of Ohio, whither his parents had moved with
their family when he was but a child. The subject's father sub-
sequently came to Rush county, where he followed farming during
the remainder of his life, becoming the owner of 160 acres of land
and, later, he and his son, Elmer, became joint owners of 250 acres
in this county. In 1885 Robert Hutchinson engaged in the grain
business at Arlington, and remained so engaged up to the time
of his death. From 1901 up to the time of his death he served as
the secretary of the Arlington cemetery, which today stands as a
monument to his personal interest and care. As a result of the
persistent efforts on his part, this cemetery is generally acknowl-
edged to be one of the most beautiful and best kept cemeteries in
the state of Indiana, and in the accomplishment of this result Mr.
Hutchinson earned the gratitude and appreciation of the entire
community. Of the three children who were born to him and his
first wife, Elmer is the only one now living. He married second
Ida Ridenbaugh, and to this union one child, a daughter, Essie, was
born. She died at the age of thirty-five years. Elmer Hutchinson
received his educational training in the common schools of Posey
township, and he also attended two courses, of ten weeks each, at
the National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio. On the com-
pletion of his studies, Mr. Hutchinson became identified with the
grain business at Arlington and on January 1, 1895, he entered into
a partnership with his father in the grain business, a relation
which was maintained until the death of his father, in 1911. He
then continued the business alone until January 17, 1920, at which
time his son, Ross M., become a partner of his father. Elmer
Hutchinson is a good business man and has made a distinctive suc-
cess of this business. He is also the owner of a good farm in this
county, on which, however, he performs no personal work beyond
a general oversight. He has taken an active part in the larger
realms of business life and has become closely identified with the
114 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Grain Dealers' National Association, of which he is now a director,
a member of the executive committee and for two years has been
chairman of the appeals arbitration committee. In February, 1895,
Elmer Hutchinson was married to Nellie Miller, who was born,
reared and educated in Posey township, the daughter of Joseph
and Mary (Davis) Miller. To Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson was born
a son, Ross M., born on May 2-i, 1896. Ross M. Hutchinson attended
the Arlington public schools, including four years of high school,
and then a year in the high school at Rushville, where he was
graduated. He then entered Purdue University, but two years
later he enlisted in the United States Marines, serving for twenty-
six months during the World war. Iu 1917 he married Dorothy
Wright, who was born and reared in Rush county, and they have
one child, Margaret, bom on June 9, 1919. Mrs. Nellie Hutchinson
died on April 1, 1898, and is buried in the Arlington cemetery. On
August 28, 1898, Elmer Hutchinson was married to Bessie L. Rucker.
a native of Posey township and the daughter of Henry L. and
Susan A (Siler) Rucker, both also natives of Rush county, and the
former a successful merchant in Arlington. To Mr. and Mrs. Hutch-
inson have been born three children, namely : Lowell, born on
January 28, 1901, now a student in Earlham College; Zelda, born
September 11, 1906, now a student in the Arlington High School,
and Glen, deceased. Politically, Mr. Hutchinson is independent, re-
serving the right to vote in accordance with the dictates of his
own judgment, regardless of party lines. He is a member of the
Christian church at Arlington, of which he is a trustee. Frater-
nally, he is a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted
Masons, at Rushville ; the commandery of Knights Templar at Rush-
ville; Indianapolis Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, and to Murat Temple, of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles
of the Mystic shrine. He is also a member of the Columbia Club
and the Board of Trade at Indianapolis. Personally, Mr. Hutchin-
son is companionable and genial, being a popular member of the
various circles in which he moves, and because of his high charac-
ter and business success he has won and holds the confidence and
respect of the entire community.
WALTER BITNER, an influential farmer and representative
citizen of Center township, was born in Howard county, Indiana, on
the third day of October, 1873, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Char-
ity (Rich) Bitner. Both of these parents were natives of Rush county,
the father having been born on February 9, 1839, and the mother
on November 5, 1836, and their marriage occurred on February 5,
1860. Mr. Bitner was a farmer through all his active life, being the
owner of 326 acres of good land in Center township, this county. Of
the eight children born to him and his wife, seven are living, namely .
Albert, Mary C, Minerva, Ida I., Walter, Leroy and Lucinda. The
subject of this sketch was reared under the parental roof and secured
a good common school education, having attended the Mays school.
He early became his father's assistant in the work of the home farm
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 115
and remained with him until his marriage. After that event he
began farming on his own account and for seven years he operated
rented land, renting from his father for six years and one year from
Bert Cohee. He then purchased eighty-nine acres of the home farm,
where he now lives, and he has here established as complete and
attractive home as can be found in the vicinity. He erected a new
house, barn and other buildings and has kept everything in the best
of repair, and all of the conveniences about the premises are of the
most modern type, the house containing bathroom, hot and cold
running water, and other desirable features. Mr. Bitner has also a
supply of natural gas on his place. He carries on general farming
operations and raises all the live stock the farm will support. On
October 12, 1898, Mr. Bitner was married to Eva J. Poust, a native
of Ripley township, and the daughter of Carl and Mary J. (Branden-
burg) Foust. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Foust, of
whom three are living, Lora, Charles W. and Eva J. (Mrs. Bitner).
James A. died at the age of thirteen years and Mrs. Ida A. Gilson died
at the age of twenty-eight years. Politically, Mr. Bitner is a Demo-
crat and he takes an intelligent interest in the trend of public events,
giving his support to every movement for the advancement of the
general welfare. He is a member of Raleigh Lodge, No. 640, F. &
A. M., at present (1921) the senior warden of the lodge.
PETER GILSON, one of the influential and highly esteemed
citizens of Jackson township, takes his lineage from old Virginia.
That section of the country which was associated with so much of
our early national history became the home of his ancestors in an
early day, and of Rush county, Indiana, they also were pioneers, the
first member of the subject's immediate family to locate here having
been his grandfather, who came from the Old Dominion state and
located in Rush county. Among his children was William Gilson.
who born in Virginia, was brought to Indiana in his early youth,
followed farming here during the most of his active life, and who
married Sallie Bruce, a native of Rush county. Among their chil-
dren is Peter Gilson, the immediate subject of this review, whose
farm is located in Jackson township. He was born on January 1, 1844,
was educated in the schools of his home neighborhood and remained
on the home farm, assisting his father until his marriage, in 1878,
when he took up farming on his own account, renting land for sev-
eral years, but eventually he bought the land in Jackson township
where he now lives. The place comprises eight}' acres of fine tillable
land, which is well improved and has returned abundant crops for
the labor bestowed upon it. Mr. Gilson here follows a general line of
farming and stock raising and is meeting with the success that always
rewards industry, persistency and the exercise of good business judg-
ment. On March 28, 1878, Mr. Gilson was married to Nancy Rogues :
who was born and reared in Jackson township, the daughter of Atlas
and Susan Rogues, who were farming folk in Jackson township and
in whose family were the following children: James K., Marshal]
F.. Ida May and Nancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilson were born three
children, of whom two are living, William F., and Iona Bell, who
116 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
became the wife of Charles G. Mauzy, of Rush county. Fraternally,
Mr. Gilson is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, at Rush-
ville, and politically, a Democrat.
DEWEY HAGEN. In the history of journalism in Rush county
there have been few instances to parallel the enterprise displayed by
Dewey Hagen, of Milroy, publisher of the Milroy Press and Laurel
Review as well as of other publications. When he took charge of his
present establishment, but a few years ago, it was a typical country
town print shop, with out-of-date equipment and obsolete methods.
Today it is an enterprise that boasts of the latest improved machinery
of the trade and its affairs are thriving and flourishing in a degree
that the former owner hardly would have considered possible. Mr.
Hagan was born at Sailor Springs, Clay county, Illinois, July 11,
1898, a son of Everett and Katie M. (Hulen) Hagen, the former a
native of Richland county, Illinois, and the latter of Clay county
that state. In his earlier years, Everett Hagen followed the trade of
carpenter, but later turned his attention to farming, and at the
present time is the owner of about 120 acres of good land in Clav
county. Six children were born to the parents : Dewitt, Grace, John.
Dewey, Bessie and a child who died in infancy. Dewey Hagen re-
ceived his early schooling at Sailor Springs, following which he
spent two years in the high school at Flora, 111. Seeing an oppor-
tunity at the latter place to learn the printing business, for which
he had always had an inclination, he left school and became a printer 's
"devil" in the establishment there, and during the following two
years learned much about the business. So much, in fact, that he
was able to take charge of the weekly newspaper shop of the Repub-
lican, at Louisville, 111. After two years of service in that capacity
he severed his connection and came to Milroy, where he invested his
small capital in the Milroy Press. At the time of his arrival things
looked anything but propitious for success. The newspaper itself
was in precarious state of health, old-time methods prevailed in the
shop, and all the matter was set by hand. Mr. Hagen, however, with
characteristic energy, set about to change conditions. During the
first year of his stay he put in a linotype machine, with a single
magazine, with which he worked four years. This was then dis-
posed of in favor of another of larger capacity, this being of four
magazines and two keyboards, the only one of its type in Rush county
and one of the few to be found in Indiana. Another machine has
just been added to this equipment. Mr. Hagen has shown his enter-
prise further by putting in a Ludlow typograph machine, the only
one of its kind to be installed in a country town office in the United
States. His present press, recently installed, has a capacity of 2,500
impressions an hour, and other equipment throughout the shop is
proportionately modern and complete. When Mr. Hagen took charge
of affairs, a single helper was sufficient to conduct the affairs of
the plant, while now employment is given to four assistants. Mr.
Hagen is publishing two weekly papers, the Milroy Press and the
Laurel Review, the former of which has a circulation of 600 and the
latter 400 readers. He also publishes school papers for the schools
YAXOXDOL. M. D.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 117
at Milroy, Carthage, Manilla and "Waldron. His readers are given
United Press Association news, as his papers belong to this news
bureau. The columns of his publication are ever at the service of
worthy civic movements, and his news matter is clean and reliable
and presented in an interesting way. Politically Mr. Hagen is a
Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Milroy Lodge, No.
139, Free and Accepted Masons. On September 9, 1915, Dewey
Hagen was united in marriage to Vera W. Kepp, who was born and
educated at Ingraham, 111., a daughter of Cornelius and May (Pugh)
Kepp. To this union there have been born two children, Jules Con-
rad and a child who died in infancv.
DAWSON DWIGHT VANOSDOL, M. D., one of the foremost
medical practitioners of Rushville, is a representative of one of the
pioneer families of Indiana, and of old colonial stock. His great-
great-grandfather was one of three brothers who came to America
from Holland prior to the Revolution. Doctor VanOsdol's great-
grandfather, Benjamin VanOsdol, was born in this country on
August 9, 1777. On January 23, 1816, he entered into a contract
with one Hugh Espey whereby in return for certain labors he was
furnished with a flatboat and $100 to transport his family to "a
place called the Rising Sun in the Indiana Territory." He later
settled in New Hope, Ohio county, Indiana, and died there on Sep-
tember 12, 1848. He married Rebecca Reese, who was born on
April 11, 1779, and died at New Hope on March 5, 1844. To this
union there were born six children, of whom Nathan Allan Van-
Osdol was the youngest. Coming from Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
with his parents, he first was employed as a farm laborer, but later
took up flatboating, a business which he followed until the year
1837. Leaving the river, he bought a farm near New Hope, Ind.,
where he spent the remainder of his life in the pursuits of agricul-
ture and in the cooperage business. On June 30, 1836, he married
Elizabeth Crowley, a native of Clark county, Virginia, where she
was born on September 26, 1818. To Nathan Allan VanOsdol and
his wife were born a large family, in which John Winchester Van-
Osdol was the fifth child. He was born on December 13, 1845,
received his early training on a farm, and when the Civil war broke
out, volunteered in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which organization he rose to the
rank of sergeant. After being honorably discharged from the
service he resolved to become a member of the medical profession,
and accordingly attended the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati
for two years, the prescribed course in those days. On September
15, 1868, Dr. John W. VanOsdol was married to Mrs. Sophia Orten-
tia Downey, and to them five children were born : Dawson Dwight,
VanOsdol, the subject of this review ; Dr. L. E. VanOsdol, a prac-
tising dental surgeon, of Peru, Ind.; Dr. Nathan Wilford VanOs-
dol, doctor of dental surgery, of Indianapolis; Mary Elizabeth,
who married Dr. Jesse Frank Coffield, of Ohio county, Indiana,
and Fred Arthur, who died when he was but four years of age.
118 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Dr. John W. VanOsdol passed his declining years in Rushville,
where he passed away on November 2, 1903. Dawson Dwight Van-
Osdol was born on July 30, 1860, at Allensville, Switzerland county,
Indiana. After completing the common school curriculum, he at-
tended the Edinburg high school for one year, and subsequently
the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he was grad-
uated on April 4, 1894. For three years following his graduation
Doctor VanOsdol practiced at Allensville, and then, on October 12,
1897, he married Myra Jane Gary, daughter of the Rev. T. B. Gary,
of Rush county, lie then moved to East Enterprise, Ind., and on
August 1, 1899, located at Rushville, where he has since remained.
To Doctor and Mrs. VanOsdol two children have been born : Dwight
Gary, born December 13, 1898, at East Enterprise, Switzerland
county, Indiana, who was graduated from the Rushville high school
and in the fall of 1917 entered Indiana University with a view to
entering the medical profession, and Max Ball, born on May 17,
1904. Doctor VanOsdol has always kept abreast of the progress
made in his profession, and is a member of the various local, state
and national medical associations, in the affairs of which he takes
an active interest. He is a Royal Arch and Scottish Rite Mason
and a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple at Indianapolis, and is also
affiliated with the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican and a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
MERRILL S. BALL, a former member of the board of county
commissioners of Rush county, who is now engaged in the dry-clean-
ing business at Rushville, member of the firm of Ball & Bebout, is a
native son of Rush county and has lived here all his life with the
exception of a period during the days of his youth when the family
lived at Knightstown in the neighboring county of Henry. He was
born in Posey township on November 14, 1875, son and only child of
Caleb and Carrie M. (Stuart) Ball, the former of whom was born in
Pennsylvania but was but a child when he came to Indiana with his
parents, Jonathan and Asenath Ball in 1835, the family locating in
Tosey township, this county. Jonathan Ball was a man of much
force and was one of the best known and most influential among the
pioneer settlers of that section of the county. He became the owner
of 2,300 acres of land in Posey township and did much to promote
the advancement of social and economic conditions thereabout in the
formative period of that now prosperous and well developed com-
munity. Caleb Ball grew to manhood in Posey township and as a
young man became engaged in farming with his father. After his
marriage he for some time made his home in Knightstown, where he
became engaged in the hardware business, but later returned to the
old home place in Posey township, where he resumed farming and
where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there in
1881. Caleb Ball was twice married. His first wife, Harriet Fer-
guson, was born in Henry county, as was his second wife, Carrie M.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 119
Stuart, mother of the subject of this sketch. Merrill S. Ball received
his early schooling in the schools of Knightstown and supplemented
the same by a course of two years at Earlham College at Richmond.
Upon leaving college he resumed his place on the home farm in Posey
township, which he had inherited, and there remained for twelve
years, or until 1911, when he moved to Rushville and opened a garage.
For two years he was engaged in this business and then, in the fall
of 1913, he formed a partnership with Clata L. Bebout, under the
firm name of Ball & Bebout, and opened a dry-cleaning, pressing
and tailoring establishment at Rushville, a business in which he has
since been quite successfully engaged. Mr. Ball is a Republican and
has for years taken an active interest in local political affairs. He
served one term as member of the board of county commissioners
from his home district and has in other ways given of his time and
attention to civic matters. In 1898 Merrill S. Ball was united in
marriage to Mary E. Rash, who was born in the neighboring county
of Hancock, daughter of W. R. Rash, a former merchant of that
county, now living retired, and to this union two children have been
born, Margaret C. and Richard S., the former of whom is now (1921)
a student at the University of Indiana at Bloomington. Mr. anil
Mrs. Ball are members of the Methodist church and have ever taken
an interested part in church affairs as well as in the general social
activities of their home community. Mr. Ball is a Mason, a member
of the local lodge of that order at Rushville, and is a Knight Templar,
a member of the Rushville commandery. He also is affiliated with
the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the affairs of all
these organizations takes a warm fraternal interest.
SAMUEL E. COWAN, who died at his home in Noble township
in the fall of 1911 while serving as a member of the county council
of this county was a man of much public spirit and in his official
capacity had rendered excellent service. Diligent in his own business
he had a no less intelligent appreciation of the public business and his
acts as a member of the county council were ever measured by his
high sense of values as related to the general good of the common-
wealth. Mr. Cowan was born in this county and here spent his life,
a useful citizen and a faithful and intelligent public servant. He
was born on a farm in Richland township on March 4, 1870, a son of
John A. and Sarah E. (Meek) Cowan, the latter of whom was born
in the neighboring county of Decatur and both of whom spent their
last days in this county. John A. Cowan was born in Rush county,
a member of one of the old families here, and all his life was spent
in the county, a helpful force in the community in which he long
resided, southeast of Richland. He and his wife were the parents
of five children, three of whom are still living, Anna, of Rushville;
Inez, wife of Frank McCorkle, of Milroy, and William Cowan, of
Indianapolis. Reared on the old Cowan home farm in Richland
township, Samuel E. Cowan received his schooling in the excellent
schools of that neighborhood and from the days of his boyhood was
well trained in the ways of farming, a vocation he followed all his
120 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
mature life. He remained at home, a valued assistant in the labors
of his father's farm, until after his marriage when he rented a farm
southwest of Richland and was there engaged in farming for several
years, at the end of which time, in association with his father, he
bought a farm of 175 acres in Noble township, proceeded to improve
and develop the same and at the time of his death ten years later had
an excellent farm and one of the best equipped farm plants in that
part of the country. Mr. Cowan was a Republican and had from
the days of his young manhood given his earnest attention to local
public affairs, ever advocating movements promotive of better gov-
ernment, and at the time of his death had for some time been serving
as a member of the county council, a position of responsibility re-
quiring well poised judgment and a comprehensive knowledge of
local conditions, and to the duties of that office had given his most
thoughtful attention and consideration. Mr. Cowan's death occurred
on September 9, 1911, he then being forty-one years of age — at a
time generally regarded as the very prime of life, when the capacity
for useful service is on the increase, and his early passing was widely
mourned throughout the county, a good memory being had of him
in the community in which his whole life was spent. It was in 1894
that Samuel E. Cowan was united in marriage to Mary Louise
Nesbit, who was born in Decatur county, daughter of John and Mary
(McHargh) Nesbit, both of whom also were born in that county.
members of pioneer families there. John Nesbit was a farmer and
live stock buyer and was widely known throughout this section of
the state by reason of his extensive live stock operations, his buying
for the horse and mule markets particularly giving him a wide
acquaintance among the farmers of the region. He and his wife
were the parents of five children. Since the death of her husband
Mrs. Cowan has made her home in Milroy and is looking after the
operations of the farm which she owns and is directing in admirable
fashion, and has made numerous improvements since the place has
been under her direction. She is a member of the United Presbyterian
church, as was her husband, and has ever taken an earnest and
helpful interest in church work as well as in the general good works
of her neighboi-hood.
JOHN M. WISSING, a well known farmer and stockman of
Walker township, was born in that township on February 27, 1876,
a son of Jacob and Caroline (Ilertzel) Wissing. His father was
born in Germany in 1844 and was twelve years old when he accom-
panied his parents to the United States, and during the greater part
of his subsequent life has lived in Rush county. The mother of Mr.
Wissing was born in Rush county, a daughter of Christian and Salome
(Bayer) Hertzell. John M. Wissing attended school in district No.
8, Walker township, and afterward assisted his father on the home
farm until his marriage. For six years afterward he rented land
from his father, then bought fifty-three acres in Walker township
and to this first tract has added until he now owns 135 acres. He
carries on general farming but gives his chief attention to live stock,
being one of the most extensive feeders in this section, usually having
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 121
fifty head of cattle and often as many as 1,000 head of hogs yearly.
On March 19, 1902, Mr. Wissing married Mary D. Webster, who was
born in Rush county, daughter of Jacob L. and Annetta (Linvill)
Webster. The father of Mrs. Wissing was born in Rush county and
the mother in North Carolina. They had five children, Mary D.,
Augusta, Elizabeth, William and Jacob H. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs.
Wissing have four children, Howard W., Jacob L., Annetta C. and
Alice M., the three elder now attending school at Manilla. Mr. Wis-
sing and his family are members of the Evangelical church, in Shelby
county. He has always supported the principles of the Democratic
party but has never accepted a political office. He is a member of
the Masonic lodge at Manilla and also belongs to the Modern Wood-
men body there.
JAMES A. BROWN, a substantial retired farmer of Anderson
township, now living at Milroy, is a Kentuckian by birth, but has
been a resident of Rush county since he was twelve years old, and
thus very properly feels that he "belongs" here quite as much as
though "native and to the manner born." He was born on a farm
in Bath county, Kentucky, August 3, 1854, son of Abraham and
Elizabeth (Hencey) Brown, both of whom were born in Nicholas
county, Kentucky, members of pioneer families in that part of
that state. In 1864 Abraham Brown left Kentucky with his family
and moved across the river into Clermont county, Ohio, where he
made his home for two years, at the end of which time he came
with his family over into Indiana and located in this county, first
renting a farm in Walker township, but presently moving to Rush-
ville township where not long afterward he died, his death occur-
ing in 1870. His widow survived him and kept the family of chil-
dren together on the farm. There were five of these children, two
of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch having a brother,
Samuel Brown. As noted above James A. Brown was but a boy
when he came to Rush county with his parents and his schooling
was completed here. This schooling, however, was confined to
brief terms of two or three months a year. He was but sixteen
years of age when his father died and he thus early assumed mature
responsibilities, helping to carry on the farm operations in his
mother's behalf until he was twenty-one when he rented a piece of
land and began operations on his own account. He married at the
age of twenty-three and then established a home on his rented farm
and continued there until 1890, when he moved onto an "eighty"
of timber land which belonged to his wife and proceeded to clear
and develop the same. He cleared the place, got it under cultiva-
tion and as his affairs prospered added an adjoining "eighty" and
now has a well improved farm of 160 acres. On that place he con-
tinued his active labors until his retirement and removal to Milroy,
where he and his family are very comfortably situated. Despite
his "retirement" Mr. Brown continues to take an active interest in
his farm and keeps a pretty close supervisory eye on operations
there. It was in 1877 that James A. Brown was united in marriage
122 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
to Carrie Lowden, who was born in this county, daughter of George
and Mary Jane (Plough) Lowden, and to this union five children
have been born, namely : Lola, who married Clair Johnson and has
three children, Carl, Fay and Ruth; Leslie B., who married Myrtle
Hasty and has two children, Lois and Donald ; Jacob, who married
Jessie Palmer and has three children, Wilma, Thelma and Weldon;
Pearl, who married Charles Fisher and has one child, a daughter,
Margaret ; and Mary, who married Clifford Senior and has two
children, Fred and Lester. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of
the Methodist church at Richland and have for years taken an
active interest in the work of the same, Mr. Brown formerly having
served as a steward of the church and is now a memlber of the
board of trustees of the same. In his political views he is a Re-
publican and has always taken an interested part in local civic
affairs. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows for more than forty years and has been "through the
chairs" of the local lodge, in the affairs of which he has ever taken
a warm interest.
JAMES 0. DRAPER, a progressive farmer of Posey township
and one of the worthy native sons of Rush county, was born in
Posey township on February 17, 1862, and is the son of J. T. and
Saphrona (Lower) Draper, the former a native of Virginia and the
latter of Ohio. These parents were reared and educated in their
respective native localities, but were married after moving to Rush
county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Draper
was the owner of 140 acres of land in Posey township. To him and
his wife were born six children, all of whom are living, namely:
Francis, Henry, George, Charles, James and Elma. James 0. Draper
was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in
district No. 9. He remained on the home farm until after his mar-
riage, when he took up farm work on his own account beginning as a
renter, but he was energetic and a good manager and about ten years
after his marriage he bought sixty acres of land in Posey township.
Five months later he sold that farm and bought an eighty-acre tract
in Rushville township, where he remained about three years. Selling
that place, he then bought ninety-nine acres near Carthage, which he
cultivated for about five years. He then moved onto the farm of 159
acres in Posey township which Mrs. Draper inherited, where the
family lives, and here he has since remained, engaged in general
agricultural operations. He raises all the crops common to this
locality and also gives some attention to the raising of live stock,
handling about 100 head of hogs each year. The farm is well im-
proved and is returning a satisfactory income. In February. 1SS3.
Mr. Draper was married to Viola Nelson, a native of Posey township
and the daughter of W. H. and Elizabeth (Adams) Nelson. To
Mr. and Mrs. Draper have been born nine children, all of whom are
living, namely: Olive, Cora, Nellie, Waldo, Pearl, Alphonso, Ozro,
Millie, and Emerson. All of these children are married excepting
Millie, who is engaged (1921) in teaching in the Washington town-
ship school at Raleign. In addition to his general agricultural opera-
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 123
lions, Mr. Draper has been interested in the breeding of speed horses
<md among the good horses which he has raised are the following.
"Robert Axworthy," trotter, trial mile 2:2014, sire, "Morgan Ax-
worthy," dam, "Martha MacJay;" "Elizabeth Hall," bay trotter,
trial mile 2:36, sire, "Bingen Hall," dam, "Lou C. McGregor;"
"Lady Blacklock," pacer, record 2:24%, sire, "Blacklock," dam,
"Zuleka. " Politically, Mr. Draper is a strong supporter of the
Democratic party, while in religious belief he and his family are
identified with the Christian church at Arlington.
LOREN MARTIN,, county clerk of Rush county and one of the
most popular young officials about the court house, was born in this
county and has lived here all his life save for a period of a few
vears during the days of his boyhood when the family made their
home in the neighboring county of Decatur. He was born on a farm
in Richland township on January 12, 1890, son of Ralph Erastus
and Carrie (Price) Martin, both of whom were born in Decatur
county and the latter of whom is still living. Ralph E. Martin was
reared in Decatur county and began his active career as a farmer, a
vocation he maintained all his life. He was married in Decatur
county and not long afterward moved over into Rush county and
began working on a farm in Richland township. A year later he
returned to Decatur county, where he remained for nine years, at the
end of which time he returned to Rush county and bought a farm
of fifty acres in Noble township on which place he made his home
for about two years, at the end of which time he sold that place and
rented a farm in Anderson township. Fourteen years later he left
that place and moved to a farm in Rushville township where he
spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there on Feb-
ruary 1, 1918. Ralph E. Martin and wife were the parents of eight
children, seven of whom are still living, those besides the subject of
this sketch being Charles, Clyde, Ralph, Hugh, Bertha and Walter.
Loren Martin "grew up" in Rush county, assisting in the labors
of the farm, and was graduated from the New Salem high school.
In 1910 he took a course in the normal school at Marion, Ind., and
thus equipped for teaching entered the ranks of Hendricks county
school teachers and was engaged in teaching for two or three years,
alternating the winter terms of school with the summer courses at
Indiana University. He then became connected with the Indiana
State School for the Blind at Indianapolis and was thus engaged in a
supervisory capacity when the United States entered the World war
in the spring of 1917. He enlisted his services in behalf of our arms
and on May 14 following the declaration of war entered the officers'
training corps at Ft. Benjamin Harrison and was there engaged in
preparation for expected service until July 3, when he received an
honorable discharge on the ground of physical incapacity and returned
to his home on the farm, continuing there engaged in looking after
matters for his father until the latter 's death early in the next year.
On August 1, 1919, Mr. Martin was appointed to fill an unexpired
term in the office of the county clerk and is still serving in that
capacity. On October 30, 1919, Loren Martin was united in marriage
124 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
to Helen Norris, daughter of W. A. Norris, and has since made his
home in Rushville. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Meth-
odist church and take an interested part iu church work, as well as in
the general social affairs of their home town. Politically, Mr. Martin
io a Republican and from the days of his boyhood has taken an
active interest in local political affairs, coming to be regarded as
one of the leaders of his party in Rush county. Fraternally, he is
affiliated with the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks at Rushville and takes a proper interest in the affairs of thai
popular fraternal organization.
CLATA L. BEBOUT, former sheriff of Rush county, former
mayor of the city of Rushville, at one time postmaster at Manilla,
for many years actively identified with the general civic affairs of
the county, at one time chairman of the county Republican central
committee and now and for some years past engaged in the dry-
cleaning business at Rushville, is a native son of Rush county and
has lived here all his life. He was born in Rushville township on
April 8, 1872, son of James H. and Mary E. (Lowden) Bebout, both
of whom are still living. James H. Bebout also was born in Rush-
ville township and there grew to manhood. After his marriage he
became engaged in farming but not long afterward turned his at-
tention to carpentering at Manilla and was thus engaged as a
building contractor until his retirement from business in 1920. Clata
L. Bebout received his schooling in the schools of Walker township
and from the days of his youth evinced an active interest in public
affairs. For three years he served as postmaster at Manilla and
later and for some time was engaged on the local section of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company's line at Manilla. In 1900 he served
as census enumerator for Walker township. In the meantime he had
become engaged in the carpentering business and for sixteen years
followed that vocation. In 1908 Mr. Bebout was elected sheriff of
Rush county and has since then made his home in Rushville. He was
re-elected to the office of sheriff, thus serving two terms, and in
1913 was elected mayor of the city and for four years held that
office. In September of that same year Mr. Bebout organized the
company of Ball & Bebout, dry-cleaners and pressers, in Rushville.
and is still engaged in that business, having a well-equipped plant
for carrying on the company's operations. Years ago Mr. Bebout
became engaged in the fire insurance business and still maintains a
local agency in that behalf. He is a Republican and for years has
been recognized as among the leaders of that party in this county, for
some time having served as chairman of the county committee. In
1892 Clata L. Bebout was united in marriage to Katherine Heifner,
who also was born in this county, daughter of John and Alice Heif-
ner, the former of whom is a retired farmer of Walker township, and
to this union two children have been born, Dr. Yerl A. Bebout and
Gladys K., wife of Edwin H. Hughes, Jr., of Boston, Mass., now resid-
ing at Tulsa, Okla. Mrs. Hughes completed her schooling at DePauw
University and Dr. Yerl A. Bebout was graduated from the Indiana
Dental College at Indianapolis. He married Ruth Aldridge, who
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 125
also was born in this county, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert L.
Aldridge, of Rushville, and has one child, a son, Stewart A., born in
1916. Mr. Bebout is a member of the Baptist church at Homer, and
his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church at Rushville. Mr. Bebout
is a Mason and a member of the local lodge of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks at Rushville, and of the Tall Cedars of
Lebanon, the Modern Woodmen and the Royal Neighbors at Manilla.
GARRETT D. WIKOFF, a retired farmer and landowner of
Union township and one of the best known men in Rush county,
was born on the place on which he is now living and has lived
there all his life. His father, Garrett "Wikoff, who was born in
Monmouth county, New Jersey, February 3, 1799, was one of the
early settlers of Rush county. He was a son of Arthur W. and Eleanor
(Conover) Wikoff and was seventeen years of age when he came
West with his parents, the family settling near Middletown, in Butler
county, Ohio. In 1820 he married Nancy McClellan and soon after-
ward came over into Rush county, and ' ' entered ' ' a quarter of a sec-
tion of land in what later came to be organized as Union township. He
was a man of energetic action aud a good judge of land values and
came to be the owner of better than 2,000 acres of land in this county.
It was he who introduced "Short-horn" cattle here and he became an
extensive breeder of live stock. The senior Garrett Wikoff was
twice married. By his marriage to Nancy McClellan he had six
children, Sarah J., Adaline, James M., Arthur W., Samuel C. and
Benjamin S. His second wife, the mother of the subject of this
sketch, was Nancy Groves, who was born in Kentucky on April 9,
1820, and who had come here with her parents, Donovan and Sarah
(Hicks) Groves, in pioneer days. To that union there were born four
children, the subject of this sketch and his sisters, Nancy A., Eleanor
G., and Mary Anna. The father of these children died on November
24, 1886, and his widow survived until 1894. Reared on the old home
farm in Union township, Garrett D. Wikoff completed his schooling
in Fairview Academy and from the days of his boyhood has been
engaged in farming on the place on which he still is living. His father
gave him a tract of ninety acres on which he established his home after
his marriage, and in the years that have elapsed since that time has
brought the place up to a high standard of cultivation and has made
improvements of a substantial character. In addition to his general
farming Mr. Wikoff has been accustomed to feed out about 200
bead of hogs a year and has done well in his operations. It was in
1877 that Garrett D. Wikoff was united in marriage to Julia Par-
rish, who died in 1903. She was a daughter of John and Emmaline
Parrish. Mr. Wikoff has a pleasant home on rural mail route No.
1 out of Glenwood, and has ever been hospitably interested in the
community's general social activities. He is a Royal Arch Mason,
a member of the blue lodge at Fairview and of the chapter at Rush-
ville. In his political views he is an "independent" Democrat.
CHARLES MURPHY, one of the substantial farmers of Noble
township now living at New Salem, where he has a pleasant modern
home, was born in Noble township, this county, September 4, 1858, a
126 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
son of John and Anna (McCrory) Murphy, and a grandson of Jesse
Murphy. John Murphy was born in Butler county, Ohio, and was a
child when brought by his parents to Rush county, the family settling
in Union township, where he was educated, adopted farming and was
married to Miss McCrory, a native of Fayette county, Indiana. Later
he moved to Noble township, where he bought a farm, and so suc-
cessful was he in his operations that at the time of his death he was
the owner of 232 acres of valuable land. He and his wife were the
parents of eight children, of whom five are living, George, Charles.
Jesse, Roy and Ida May. Charles Murphy received his education al
the old Applegate schoolhouse in Noble township, and upon the com-
pletion of his schooling joined his father in the cultivation of the
home acres. This association continued until the death of the eldc-
man, when Charles Murphy secured a part of the estate as his
inheritance and began operations on his own acount on a tract of
i>inety-two acres. There he continued as a general farmer, adding to
his means each year and bettering the improvements on the farm,
until 1920, when he turned the labors of the property over to younger
hands and retired to his comfortable home at New Salem. In 1880,
Mr. Murphy married Maggie Fay, who was born in Fayette county,
daughter of Michael and Hannah Fay, natives of Ireland, the former
of County Roscommon and the latter of County Galway. Mrs. Mur-
phy's parents were young people when they emigrated to the United
States and settled in New Jersey, where they met and were married.
Following their union they came to Indiana and located in Fayette
county, where Mr. Fay was engaged actively in farming until he
moved to Howard county, where he is now living at the advanced age
of ninety-three years. His wife passed away in 1917. They were the
parents of eight children, of whom four are now living, John, William,
Mary A. and Maggie. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Murphy, Elsie, who married Clifford Stamm and has two children.
Cecil and Margaret, and John, who married Jessie Colvin and has
bad two children, Esther and Gilbert, the latter of whom is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which Mr. Murphy was formerly a steward and trustee
In politics he is a Republican.
WESTON C. RICHEY, a substantial retired farmer of Ander-
son township and for years an extensive dealer in live stock at Milroy,
where he has resided for more than twenty- five years, was born in
this county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm
in Anderson township on July 20, 1856, son of William and Cynthia
(Henderson) Richey, the latter of whom was born in Ohio, having
come here with her parents in the days of her girlhood, and both
of whom spent their last days in this county. William Richey was
born in Kentucky and was but a child when his father, Adam Richey,
left that state and with his family came up into Indiana and settled
on a farm in Anderson township, this county, where he and his wife
spent the remainder of their lives, useful and influential pioneers of
that community. William Richey grew up on that pioneer farm and
in turn became a farmer on his own account, a vocation in which he
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 127
continued engaged until his death. He became the owner of an
excellent farm of about 100 acres and in addition had long been
accustomed to operating a considerable extra acreage of rented lands.
He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven
are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Jerusha,
wife of Frank Nadal; Arkansas, wife of Ira Tompkins; Catherine,
wife of Sol Smith; Martha, wife of Maurice Maxey; Missouri, widow
of David S. Stewart, and Morton Richey. Reared on the home farm
in Anderson township, Weston C. Richey received his schooling in
the schools of that neighborhood and continued on the farm, working
with his father until his marriage after which he rented a farm and
started operations for himself. Several years later he bought a tract
of eighty acres in Anderson township, later increasing that acreage to
189 acres, but afterward sold eighty-five acres of this and is now
the owner of a well improved farm of 104 acres.. On this place he
continued general farming until 189-1 when he moved to Milroy and
there became engaged in the retail meat business. Several years later,
however, he sold his butcher shop and began to confine his operations
to dealing in live stock, a business he had begun to develop profitably
while carrying on his butcher business, and has since then been thus
engaged, for the past twenty years having been regarded as one
of the leading live stock dealers in this section, buying extensively
hereabout and shipping to the leading markets. In addition to this
Mr. Richey keeps up his interest in his farm and has a fine farm
plant. Weston C. Richey has been twice married. By his first wife,
Emma Crawford, he has six children, Edith, Clarence, Anna, Mabel,
Clyde and Ruth, all of whom are married and have children of their
own, Mr. Richey thus having thirteen grandchildren, in all of whom
he takes much pride and delight. Edith Richey married Worth
Kelly and has two children, Ralph and Ray. Clarence Richey mar-
ried Mary Wolforst and has three children, Clifford, Chester and
Marshall. Anna Richey married Riley Coulter and has one child,
a son, Charles. Mabel Richey married Harvey Ray and has four
children, Vivian, Helen, Opal and Weston. Clyde Richey married
Gertrude Crume and has two children, Gerald and Lillian, and Ruth
Richey married Paul Glisson and has one child, a daughter, Mildred.
The mother of these children died and Mr. Richey married Georgia
Mae Tarkington. Mr. and Mrs. Richey are members of the Methodist
church. In his political affiliation Mr. Richey is a Republican and
has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs, but has
not been a seeker after public office. He and his wife have a pleasant
home at Milroy and take a proper part in the general social activities
of the community.
MARSHALL B. RIGSBEE, a well known general farmer resid-
ing in Walker township, belongs to one of the early families of this
county and a part of his present farm has been in the Rigsbee name
for eighty-seven years. He was born in Posey township, this county.
September 7, 1855, a son of Madison and Mary (Barnard) Rigsbee.
who had four children, two of whom survive, Mrs. Flora Swain, of
Shelby county, and Marshall B., who owns his father's old homestead
128 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
of 133 acres. Marshall B. Rigsbee attended the district schools in
both Posey and Walker townships in boyhood, during that time mak-
ing himself useful to his father and later, after his marriage, worked
the farm on shares with his father. In 1834 his grandfather entered
eighty acres that are now included in the home farm, from the govern-
ment, and it has always been Mr. Rigsbee 's aim to keep this farm in
the family. When his father died he bought out the other heirs. He
keeps the property in fine repair and carries on general farming and
stock raising, annually feeding about eighty head of hogs. On Sep-
tember 7, 1879, Mr. Rigsbee married Emily Miller, who also was born
in Posey township, daughter of James and Useba (Swain) Miller,
who had a family of nine children, Lena, Cassa, Edwin, George, Pres-
ton, Emily and three deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Rigsbee have had nine
children, Pearl (deceased), Arlie, Ertle, Clayton, Claude, Emerson,
Edith, Nella and Mary. Arlie Rigsbee, who is now residing at Indian-
apolis, connected with the insurance department of the Fletcher
Savings and Trust Company of that city, married Delpha Hester and
has two children, Catherine and Maxine. Ertle Rigsbee, who is now
residing at Portland, Ind., where he is employed in the service of
the Schlosser Bros, creamery of Indianapolis, married Stella Ash
and has four children, Merle, Marshall, Lowell and Denzel. Clayton
Rigsbee, who is in the insurance business at Indianapolis, married
Kate Vanwinkle, and has had two children, Robert, and one that
died in youth. Claude Rigsbee, who is agent for the Watkins prod-
ucts in northern Rush county, married Reba Fall and has one son,
Paul, the family home being at Carthage. Edith Rigsbee, who mar-
ried the Rev. Francis Eddy, a minister, at Fairmount, Ind., has five
children, Gerald, Lucile, Grace, Warren and the baby. Nella is the
wife of Dr. Charles Zike, a dentist at Manilla, and has one child.
Catherine. Mary Rigsbee married Esta Theobold, a farmer in Shelby
county. Mr. Rigsbee is a member of the Friends church at Little
Blue River. He is a Republican.
JOHN RICKETTS, who is numbered among the successful
farmers and enterprising citizens of Noble township, was born in
Anderson township, this county, on February 23, 1867, and is the
son of James and Ellen (Jones) Ricketts, the former a native of
Fleming county, Kentucky, and the latter of Rush county, Indiana.
James Ricketts was the son of Edward and Sarah Ricketts, both of
whom were born and reared in Kentucky, where they were married,
and who later became pioneer settlers of this county. James Ricketts
was reared to manhood in his native state and accompanied his
parents on their removal to Rush county, locating in Anderson
township, where he was married. He had followed the vocation of
agriculture and shortly after his marriage he bought a farm, which
he operated until 1875, when he moved to Noble township and
bought eighty-five acres of land one-fourth of a mile northwest of
New Salem. A hard worker and good manager, he was enabled to
add to his holdings from time to time until eventually he became the
owner of 340 acres of land, located in Noble and Anderson townships.
He followed general farming and stock raising and was numbered
GEORGE WIIISMAN AND GRANDDAU
WHISMAN
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 129
among the leading farmers of his section of the county. His death
occurred in Noble township. To him and his wife were born seven
children, of which number two are now living, the subject of this
review and Mattie, who became the wife of Owen Morris. John
Ricketts received his education in the schools of Noble township and
his boyhood days were devoted to work on the home farm, which he
continued to operate for his mother after his father's death. On
the death of his mother, in 1907, he bought the home farm, comprising
115 acres, and has since devoted himself to its operation. Energetic
and up-to-date in his methods, he has demonstrated his abilities as a
progressive man of affairs and is meeting with well deserved success
in his work. He carries on general farming operations and stock
raising and his place is maintained at a high standard of excellence.
On November 29, 1893, Mr. Ricketts was married to Carrie Shriner.
a daughter of Ray and Caroline Shriner, and they are the parents
of a son, James Garrett Ricketts, who remains at home. Politically.
Mr. Ricketts is a supporter of the Republican party and takes an
intelligent interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his
community.
GEORGE WHISMAN, a land owner and former merchant of
Manilla, now living practically retired, was born on April 8, 1857.
in Orange township, this county, a son of Warren and Paulina
(Marshall) Whisman. His father was born in Franklin county,
Indiana, December 3, 1827, and the mother in Kentucky, February
5, 1828. They came to Rush county with their parents when chil-
dren, w,ere married here in August, 1849, and spent the rest oi
their lives on their farm of 140 acres, in Orange township, when
the father died in his eighty-seventh year and the mother whei.
aged eighty-eight years. Of their ten children the following art
living: Millie, Alonzo, George, James, Garrison, Ida, Eli G., Olivei
W. Delilah died in childhood and Ellen died when aged forty
years. George "Whisman went to school in boyhood, attending
what was called the German school in district No. 3, Orange town-
ship, applying himself so closely to his studies that he was able to
secure a teacher's certificate, and afterward taught school during
the winters and worked as a farmer in the summer seasons. About
1877 he located at Manilla, where he worked for four and a half
years in the hardware store of Cyrus E. Trees, and when Mr. Trees
sold his business to Edwin Burch, Mr. Whisman continued with the
new owner for two months. He and Clark John then bought the
business and operated the store for nineteen years, the association
then being dissolved by the death of Mr. John. His interest was
bought by Samuel Jarvis, and at the same time Mr. Whisman 's
son, Clyde, took over his father's interest and subsequently bought
Mr. Jarvis 's interest. Clyde Whisman continued alone in the busi-
ness until 1920, when he sold to the firm of Silverthorn & Hunger-
ford. Until this final transaction, Mr. Whisman had remained in
the business in an unofficial capacity, always finding enough to
keep himself pleasantlv occupied, and very useful in an advisorv
9
130 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
capacity. He owns a 180-acre farm in the northern part of Walker
township. On March 15, 1879, Mr. Whisman married Margaret
Weir, who was born in Shelby county, Indiana, daughter of Will-
iam and Martha (Woodard) Weir. Mrs. Whisman is one of a fam-
ily of five children, she and a brother, William Weir, now the only
survivors. Mr. and Mrs. Whisman have one child, Clyde, who was
born on June 18, 1880. Since disposing of his hardware store at
Manilla, Clyde Whisman has become local agent for the Ford
Automobile Company. He married Elizabeth Webster and has one
daughter, Dorothy. George Whisman has always voted with the
Democratic party. He is a Mason, a member of Manilla Lodge, No.
565, Free and Accepted Masons.
JAMES M. CROSS, now living at Arlington, having until recent
\ears been actively and successfully engaged in farming pursuits in
Posey township, was born in Jackson township, this county, on July
19, 1858, and is a son of Andrew J. and Rachel (Hunt) Cross, both
of whom also were natives and residents of Rush county until 1869.
when they moved to Cumberland county, Illinois, subsequently to Jas-
per county, that state, where Mr. Cross was engaged in farming
until 1875, when he returned to Indiana, locating in Indianapolis,
where he lived, retired, until his death, which occurred on December
25, 1903. His wife had died on May 15, 1901. This worthy couple
became the parents of six children, all of whom are living, namely :
James M., Sarah E. John II., Oliver P., Mary D. and Ann Eliza.
James M. Cross was reared under the parental roof and secured his
education mostly in the schools of Jackson township, attending the
Ball school, and finished at Indianapolis. During his boyhood days
he assisted his father in the work of the home farm, but at the age
of twenty years he started out on his own account as a renter of
farm land in Marion county. For sixteen years Mr. Cross continued
to operate rented farm lands, but at the end of that period he bought
forty acres of land in Posey township, Rush county, to the operation
of which he devoted himself for twenty years, until 1913, when he
retired from active farm work and moved to Arlington, where he
now resides. He is still the owner of a threshing machine outfit,
which for thirty years has done a large amount of work for the
farmers of this section of the county. Mr. Cross during his active
>ears carried on a general line of farming, and met with excellent
success in his work, as the result of his energy, persistence and good
judgment. On March 6, 1879, Mr. Cross was married to Sarah K.
Miller, the daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Miller, and to them
were born three children, Jessie N., John K., who died, aged ten
years, and Earl, who died, aged three years. Mrs. Sarah Cross died
on February 14, 1913, and on March 15, 1914, Mr. Cross was married
to Minnie "(Kennedy) Offutt. Jessie N. Cross became the wife of
Elmer Readle, a farmer of Posey township, and they have three
children, Louise K., John N. and Mary B. Politically, Mr. Cross has
always given his support to the Democratic party. Fraternally, he
is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, at Arlington, in which he has passed through the chairs.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 131
He has beeu president of the Cemeterjr Association for ten yeare.
For many years he has been an active member of the Christian
church at Arlington and has been an elder in the church for twenty
years. Mr. Cross has always maintained a keen interest in every
movement which has had to do with the development of his com-
munity along any line and for a period of twelve years he served as
a member of the board of directors of the Rush County Fair Asso-
ciation. He was a charter member of the Arlington Telephone Com-
pany, of which he was president for five years and treasurer for
eleven years.
JUDGE DOUGLAS MORRIS, former justice of the Indiana
Supreme Court, has long been recognized as one of the leaders at the
Rush county bar, as well as having been judge of the Rush Circuit
Court for one term. He was born in Knightstown, Ind., January 15,
1861, the son of John and Hannah (Scovell) Morris. Judge Morris
received his preliminary education in the public schools at Knights-
town and was graduated from the high school at that place in 1878.
He then taught school for one year in Henry county, after which he
went to Asbury University, now DePauw, from which institution he
received his A. B. degree in 1882. Having decided upon the career
of a lawyer, he studied for that profession during the years 1882 and
1883 at Indianapolis under the preceptorship of Benjamin Harrison,
afterward President of the United States. Then for two years he
practiced law at Knoxville, Tenn., whence he came to Rushville where
he has remained ever since. From 1889 to 1895 he practiced in
partnership with David S. Morgan, now deceased, and from 1895 to
1898 with S. L. Innis and Wallace Morgan. In 1898, his exceptional
abilities at the bar having been recognized, he was elected judge of
the Rush Circuit Court, serving in that capacity until November.
1904. In 1910 Judge Morris was elected one of the judges of the
supreme court of Indiana and served on that bench from January 1,
1911, for six years. He is the only person from Rush county who
ever served on that bench. Since his retirement from the bench
Judge Morris has practiced law in Rushville, where he has continued
his many successes. On October 6, 1892, Judge Morris married Pa-
mela A. Spann, daughter of Jesse J. Spann, one of the most brilliant
lawyers and politicians who has ever claimed Rush county as his
home, and to Judge and Mrs. Morris have been born two children.
Hannah and Douglas, Jr., both of whom are living at home, and
the former of whom has been admitted to the bar and is practicing
law in association with her father. In his political affiliations, Judge
Morris is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic
party and was the candidate of that party for Congress in 1888.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Rushville, and socially
and fraternally is a member of the Country Club and the Delta
Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
JESSE LOGAN, one of the substantial retired farmers of Rush
county now living at Rushville, is a native son of this county, a
member of one of the pioneer families, and has lived here all his life.
He was born in Richland township, son of James W. and Hester
]32 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
^Wellman) Logan, the former of whom was the fourth son of James
and Elizabeth (Mann) Logan, early residents of Richland township
James Logan was born in Ireland and was but a lad when he came
to this country with his parents. As a young man seeking to make
a home for himself he came to Rush county and acquired the original
land grant for the tract where now stands the Logan homestead place
in Noble township. There he and his wife reared their family and
spent the remainder of their lives, helpful citizens of that community.
James W. Logan was born and reared on the old home place in Noble
township and remained there helpful in the work of developing the
place until after his marriage, when he bought a farm of 165 acres
in Richland township and there established his home and developed
an excellent piece of property. He and his wife (Hester Wellman)
were the parents of three sons, the subject of this sketch having two
brothers, Thomas W. and Edgar E. Logan. Jesse Logan was reared
on the home farm in Richland township, receiving his schooling in
the district school in the neighborhood of his home, and as a young
man continued to make his home there, farming the place for his
father who presently gave him a farm of 178 acres in Richland and
Noble townships, and after his marriage he established his home there.
He did well in his farming and as his affairs prospered he added
to his land holdings until he became the owner of 235 acres, which
he continued to operate until his retirement from the farm in August,
1920, and removal to Rushville, where he and his wife are now living,
■\ery pleasantly situated at 223 West Third street. In 1903 Jesse
Logan was united in marriage to Anna May Ralston, who also was
born in this county, a member of one of the old families of the
county. Mrs. Logan is a daughter of Elias V. and Mary (McCorkle)
Ralston, the former of whom was a son of William and Nancy Ralston,
who came to this county from Ohio in pioneer days. Mary McCorkle
was the daughter of James and Ann (Cowan) McCorkle, the former
of whom came to this county from Fleming county, Kentucky, in
1823 and entered a tract of land in Anderson township, the farm
now owned by William Davis. James and Ann McCorkle had three
children, those besides Mrs. Logan's mother being David M., who is
still living, and Pressley McCorkle, who died in the service of the
Union while serving as a member of I Company, Sixty-eighth regi-
ment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war. Elias V.
and Mary (McCorkle) Ralston were the parents of five children,
those besides Mrs. Logan being Mrs. Mary E. Miller, Mrs. Hattie 0.
Noah, Mrs. Zella P. Johnston and Carl R. (deceased).
SAMUEL D. JONES, a well known veteran of the Civil war,
a retired merchant of Milroy and a substantial landowner, was born
in Rush county and has lived here all his life, a period of seventy-
nine years, during which time the most amazing changes have taken
place in conditions and in the manner of doing things hereabout.
Mr. Jones is a member of one of the county's pioneer families, his
father having come over here from Ohio in 1823 with his family and
settled on a farm in Anderson township, where he spent the re-
mainder of his life, and thus Mr. Jones grew up well acquainted
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 133
with pioneer conditions and has many interesting stories to tell of
the way things were done in those days. He was born on April 29,
3842, son of Henry and Sarah (Cameron) Jones, both of whom were
born in Clermont county, Ohio, members of pioneer families in that
section of the Ohio river country, and who were the parents of ten
children, of whom Samuel D. Jones now is the only survivor. Upon
coming here Henry Jones entered a tract of eighty acres in Ander-
son township and there developed a good little farm, he and his
wife spending their last days on that place. It was on that pioneer
farm that Samuel D. Jones was reared, receiving his schooling in
the somewhat primitive schools of the period. He was nineteen
years of age when the Civil war broke out and it was not long there-
after when he enlisted his services in behalf of the Union cause and
went to the front as a member of D Company, Sixty-eighth regiment.
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and with that gallant command served
until he lost his right arm in the battle of Chickamauga, in Septem-
ber, 1863, and was also wounded in the left arm. On account of this
shattering disability he was invalided home after spending some time
in a military hospital and on June 29, 1864, received his honorable
discharge on the ground of permanent disability. Mr. Jones had
been attentive to his studies during his school days and confronted
with a disability which rendered ineffectual the training he had
received as a farmer he "brushed up" in his studies, prepared him-
self for teaching and was for some time after his return from the
army engaged as a teacher in the schools of his home township. He
then opened a store at Milroy, about the year 1866, and was for
thirty-five years or more engaged there in the general merchandise
business, continuing his mercantile operations until in 1909 when he
sold his stock and retired from business. Since his retirement Mr.
Jones has continued to make his home at Milroy and has a very
pleasant place there. Despite the shocking disability incurred in
his war service Mr. Jones long ago passed that handicap and his
diligence in business secured to him ample provision against the
' ' evening time ' ' of his life. In addition to his holdings in the county
he is the owner of a farm of 320 acres in Texas and accounts himself
well circumstanced for a man who has had to get along with but one
arm for the past sixty years. Samuel D. Jones has been twice mar-
ried. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Julia Kendall, who died
leaving one child, a son, Frank. In 1880 Mr. Jones married Cynthia
E. Aldridge, who also was born in this county, daughter of William
Aldridge and wife, pioneers here, and to this union four children
have been born, Laura, who married M. E. Able and has one child,
a daughter, Margaret Ellen; Clifford, who is unmarried; Benjamin
II., who married Letta Chambers and has three children, Helen,
Samuel and Hoyt Dale, and Wilbur, who is unmarried. Mr. and
Mrs. Jones are members of the Methodist church and have for years
taken an interested part in local church work as well as in all neigh-
borhood good works. In his political views Mr. Jones is an ardent
Republican and has always given a good citizen's attention to local
134 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
civic affairs, but has not been an office seeker. He is an active
member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and is
also a member of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
JOHNSON A. FANCHER, who died in the spring of 1919, was
for many years a prominent figure in the agricultural life of Rush
county, and aided materially in its development. By a life of up-
rightness, industry and square dealing — a life devoted to the sup-
port of whatever was good and true — he won the admiration and
regard of a large circle of acquaintances, who sincerely mourned
their loss, when, two years ago, he passed into the grateful rest and
quiet of the night. Mr. Fancher was born in Blount county, Ten-
nessee, on May 20, 1853, and was the son of Caleb S. and Millie
(Myers) Fancher, both of whom also were natives of Tennessee.
Caleb Fancher was a farmer by vocation and was a successful man,
owning 350 acres of land. To him and his wife were born seven
children, namely: Nancy, William, Frances J. and Martha, living,
and Johnson A., Eliza and Mary, deceased. Johnson A. Fancher
received a comparatively meager education, his school years being
passed during the period of tha Civil war, when educational mat-
ters were to a considerable extent neglected in the South. How-
ever, by habits of careful reading and close observation of men and
events, he became a well-informed man on a wide range of topics
and was always an interesting and intelligent conversationalist.
Mr. Fancher remained in his native state until twenty-nine years of
age, assisting his parents, but at that age he came to Rush county,
locating in Jackson township, where for seven years he was em-
ployed on the Oldham farm. During the following five years he
operated a part of the Oldham farm which he rented. He then
located on the George F. Mull farm, south of Homer, which he
rented for seven years, and at the end of that time he bought the
farm of eighty acres in Posey township where his widow now lives.
Eventually he bought forty-eight acres additional, thus giving him
a total of 128 acres. By careful management and wise economy he
had earned and saved all the money with which he bought this
land and he made many permanent and substantial improvements
on the land, which have made them a valuable and attractive prop-
erty. Here he was actively engaged in general farming and stock
raising up to the time of his death, which occurred on May 13.
1919, when almost sixty-six years of age. On August 8, 1SS8. Mr.
Fancher was married to Ilettie Adams, a native of the township in
which she now lives and the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth
(Six) Adams. Her parents were natives of the state of Kentucky,
the father being born in Scott county and the mother in Fleming
county. In an early day they came to Rush county and Mr. Adams
became a successful farmer in Posey township, where he owned
eighty acres of land. Of the eleven children born to him and his
wife, but two are now living, John and Mrs. Hettie Fancher. To
Mr. and Mrs. Fancher were born two children, Anna F. and George
JOHNSON A. FANCHER AND FAMILY
(From photograph taken about 1900)
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 135
L. Anna became the wife of Fern Downey, who operates a garage
at Arlington, and they have four children, Frank, Joy, Janice R. and
Edna H. George L. Fancher married Pearl Souder and they have
two children, June and Francis L. Mr. Fancher was an earnest
supporter of the Republican party. He was a member of the Bap-
tist church in Blount county, Tennessee. He was well liked by all
who knew him, for he possessed a social nature and maintained a
genial and kindly attitude to those about him. His career was a
busy and useful one and he had well earned the high position he
occupied in the estimation of his fellow citizens.
JAMES 0. GUNNING, a well known general farmer in Walker
township, this county, was born on January 7, 1867, in Shelby
county, this state, a son of Sinclair and Clementine (McCombs^
Gunning, the father a native of Shelby county, and the mother, of
Wayne county, Indiana. Their four children survive, Emory, Ella.
Elma and James 0. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, in
which he served four years as a member of the One Hundred First
regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After the war he engaged
in farming in Shelby county as long as active. James 0. Gunning
had public school advantages in his native county, after which he
worked at farming until his own marriage. For some years following
he farmed for his father-in-law in Walker township, Rush county.
When the latter died the wife of Mr. Gunning inherited the Macy
farm, a valuable tract of 160 acres, on which Mr. Gunning carries on
farm activities very profitably. It was an January 7, 1904, that
Mr. Gunning married Adelma Macy, only child of Lysander and
Frances E. (Casto) Macy, the former of whom was born in Rush
county and the latter in Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Gunning have
one child, Ela Frances, who attends school at Manilla. The family
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a
Republican.
0. M. OFFUTT, one of the successful farmers of Posey town-
ship and a creditable representative of one of the county's respected
old families, was born in the township in which he now resides on
January 10, 1876, and is the son of George W. and Sarah J. (Beckner)
Offutt, both of whom also were born and reared in Rush county.
George W. Offutt was a farmer and stock raiser by vocation and at
one time he owned 1,400 acres of good land in Posey township. To
him and his wife were born sis children, all of whom are living,
namely : Sabert S., Murley, Jerry B., 0. M., Mary I. and Charles J.
The subject of this sketch secured his educational training in the
Beaver Meadow school house, in Posey township, and the Arlington
high school. On completing his studies he went to work on the home
farm, and there he has remained ever since with the exception of
two years spent on a farm south of Arlington. After his marriage,
in 1900, Mr. Offutt began farming on his own account, operating
the home farm for one year, following which he was on the farm
referred to south of Arlington. Since then he has occupied and
operated a part of the home farm, comprising 215 acres of land, on
which he carries on general farming operations and stock raising.
136 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
He has made a number of improvements on the place and by industiy
and good management has been successful. On August 8, 1900,
Mr. Offutt was married to Margaret Hackelman, who also was born
iu Posey township, the daughter of Worster and Malissa J. (Clavell)
Hackleman, old residents of this county. Of the three children born
to Mr. and Mrs. Hackelman, Mrs. Offutt is the only survivor. The
deceased are Gertrude, who died at the age of twenty-eight years.
and Minnie, who died when nine days old. Mr. and Mrs. Offutt have
two children, George W. and Lowell H., both of whom are at home
Politically, Mr. Offutt assumes an independent attitude, reserving
the right to vote in accordance with the dictates of his own judgment.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men at
Arlington and the Modern Woodmen of America at Rushville. He
is a man of vigor and determination, has been successful in practically
every undertaking to which he has addressed himself and he enjoys
to a marked degree the confidence and regard of all who know him.
W. E. WAGONER, principal of the schools of Posey township
and well known as a man of high attainments and practical ability
as an educator, was born on May 31, 1889, in Fountain county,
Indiana, and was there reared. He attended the common schools of
his home neighborhood and the high school at Veedersburg. He
then entered Indiana University, where he was graduated in 1912,
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After completing his collegiate
work, he went to Mt. Auburn, Shelby county, Indiana, where he
became principal of the township schools, serving two years. Then
for five years he was principal of the Anderson township schools in
Rush county, and for two years he has served in his present position,
to the entire satisfaction of his patrons and pupils. Mr. Wagoner
has inaugurated some progressive and effective ideas of his own in
his educational work and he enjoys a high reputation as a thoughtful
and earnest educator. He has jurisdiction over two country schools
and the schools at Arlington, employing twelve teachers, and with
257 pupils in the schools. On May 10, 1914, Mr. Wagoner was mar-
ried to Glossie Goddard, who was born in Kansas City, Mo., but who,
at the age of nine months, was brought to Rush county, which has
been her home continuously since. She first studied in the public
schools of Rushville, including the high school, and then became a
student in Indiana University, where she was graduated the same
year as her husband, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She
is the daughter of George and Nellie (Mull) Goddard. Mr. and Mrs.
Wagoner have two children, George A. and Lavonne. Mr. Wagoner
is a Republican, a Freemason and a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. On June 6, 1921, he was elected superintendent of the
schools of Rush county.
JAMES M. ELLISON, an experienced farmer and substantial
citizen of Walker township, was born in Rushville township, this
county, September 26, 1852, a son of William J. and Sarah (Duke)
Ellison. His father was born in Rush county and his mother in
Kentucky. They had six children born to them, four sons surviv-
ing, Fremont, Alonzo P., Elmer E. and James M. The father was a
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HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 137
farmer in Rush county all his life and owned 180 acres of valuable
land. His death occurred on July 3, 1891. James M. Ellison had
the usual school privileges in boyhood, attending what was known
as the Alexander school near his father's farm, and early learned
farming. He has never given much attention to any other vocation.
For four years before his marriage, Mr. Ellison worked as a farm
hand, then rented land for a year, following which he bought sixty
acres in Orange township. That land he held and operated for ten
years but when his father died he sold it and bought the old home
place of 160 acres in Walker township, on which he lives, subse-
quently acquiring other tracts and he now owns 295 acres in that
township. He has always been a progressive farmer and has encour-
aged the raising of good stock, a notable feature of his own industries
being his full blood, big type Poland-China hogs, of which he markets
about 100 head annually. On January 27, 1881, Mr. Ellison married
Lucinda Hodge, who was born in Walker township, daughter of
Alfred and Margaret (Miller) Hodge, natives of Rush county and
farming people. Mrs. Ellison is one of a family of seven children
and has three surviving sisters and one brother, Sarah, Mary, Martha
and Alva. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have two children, Orsa P., a farmer
in Rush county, who married Mertie Hungerford, and Floy, who is
the wife of Albert Gahimer, a farmer in Walker township. Mr. Elli-
son and his family are members of the Christian church at Homer.
He has always been a Republican.
SANFORD M. POSTON, former clerk of Rush county, who
died at his home in Noble township in the spring of 1910, was born
on November 25, 1849, on the farm on which his widow now re-
sides, and his death occurred on May 10, 1910. He was descended
from sterling old pioneer stock, his paternal grandparents having
been Judge Elias and Nancy (Norton) Poston, natives of Ken-
tucky, the former born in Fayette county and the latter in Bourbon
county. They were married in 1807 and some years after that
event they came to Indiana, first locating in Franklin county. In
the spring of 1821 they came to what is now Rush county and the
next year entered 160 acres in what is now known as Noble towii-
ship. The date of the entry of this land was March 7, 1822, and
the original deed from the Government bearing the name of Pres-
ident Monroe is still in the family. Elias Poston was a man of
strong character and marked mental ability and he soon took
a prominent part in the public life of this pioneer community. In
1822 he was elected the first associate judge of Rush county and
the diversity of his talents is somewhat indicated from the fact that
he was a successful Baptist minister and also practiced medicine.
Among his children was the subject's father, George W. Poston,
who was born in Kentucky on March 12, 1826, and who accom-
panied his parents on their removal to Rush county, locating in
Noble township, where he spent the remainder of his life engaged
in agricultural pursuits. He married Nancy McNeil, who was born
and reared in North Carolina, and they became the parents of six
138 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
children, five of whom grew to maturity, namely: Sanford M.,
Quincy, Estella, Elizabeth and Ella. Sanford M. Poston received
a good education in the public schools of Noble township and then
for a time was engaged in teaching school. In the meantime he
also became interested in the sawmill business, having bought and
sold much lumber, so after a short career as a pedagogue, he re-
signed and thereafter devoted his attention to sawmill interests,
in addition to which he also farmed the home place of about 600
acres. He became an extensive stock feeder and also bred Poland
China hogs and Short-Horn cattle. He was keenly interested in
the breeding of thoroughbred track horses and was the owner of
"Redfield," one of the best horses of his type in this section of the
country. A year prior to his mother's death, the home farm was
divided and his portion was 140 acres. He was an energetic worker
and a good manager and to this nucleus he added other land by
purchase until his holdings amounted to 340 acres, to the operation
of which he devoted his attention up to the time of his death. He
made many permanent and substantial improvements on the place,
developing it into one of the best farms in this section of the county.
Though a busy man, Mr. Poston always took a keen interest in
local public affairs and an active part in politics as a Republican.
He served for five years as assessor of Noble township, and in 1901
he was elected to the office of clerk of the Rush county Circuit
Court, serving one term to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
Mr. Poston spent practically his entire life in Noble township and
won his way into the affections of the people through his genial
address, his obliging nature, his sound business ability and his un-
swerving support freely given to all laudable movements looking
toward the general welfare of his county. In 1901 Mr. Poston was
married to Mary Ellen Bromley, the daughter of Charles D. and
Anna (Jones) Bromley, and to them were born two children.
George and Estella. both of whom remain at home with their
mother, and the former of whom is the sole surviving male member
of this branch of the family bearing the Poston name. Mrs. Poston 's
parents were born respectively, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Rush county.
Mr. Bromley came to Rush county in young manhood and here
followed the business of railroad contracting during all of his active
years. To him and his wife were born seven children, of which
number three grew to maturity, namely: Carl E., Agnes and .Mary
Ellen. Mrs. Poston is a member of the Christian church, the Order
of the Eastern Star, the Woman's Relief Corps, in which she is an
officer, the Women's Council and the Nature Study Club of Indi-
ana. Mrs. Poston is descended from sterling old pioneer families
of Rush county. Grandmother Mary Sharp, the mother of Sarah
Jones, was born in Virginia in 1812, whence in 182fi, when but
fourteen years of age, she came to Rush county, and settled with
her family in Walker township. The second session of the commis-
sioners' court of Rush county was held at the home of James Lower,
who ran a tavern at Rushville and who was a great-uncle of Mrs.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 139
Poston. Mr. Poston was an attendant at the Methodist Protestant
church in New Salem. Politically, he gave his support to the Re-
publican party. Fraternally, he was a member of the Masonic
fraternity, in which he attained to the thirty-second degree of the
Scottish Rite, and was also a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
JOHN D. MEGEE, a well known citizen of Rushville, a member
of the bar of the Rush Circuit Court and former judge of that court,
is a native son of Rush county, born on November 20, 1850, son of
William E. and Ellen E. (Morris) Megee, natives of Kentucky and
who were but children when they came to Indiana with their re-
spective parents, both the Megees and the Morrises having been among
the pioneers of Rush county, the former family coming here in 1828
and the latter in 1831. William E. Megee was born in Jessamine
county, Kentucky, and his wife at Georgetown, Ky. He became a
farmer in this county and at the time of his death in 1864 was the
owner of more than 320 acres of land. Though his opportunities
for schooling were limited, he having attended school but three
months in his life, he improved such opportunities for self-improve-
ment as came to him and became known as a self-educated man of
no little ability. William E. Megee and his wife were the parents
of eight children, two of whom are still living, Judge Magee having
a sister, Alice, wife of Taylor Lakin, of Rushville. John D. Megee
was reared on his father's farm, receiving his preliminary education
in the schools of the county. At the age of twenty, desiring a
further education, he entered Lebanon Normal School, Lebanon,
Ohio, and for one year took a business course, which he completed.
He then commenced his career as a salesman for T. & R. Pugh, of
Washington, Ind., and was with them two years, at the end of which
time he became a salesman for J. H. Mauzy, of Rushville, with whom
he remained for about two years. Then for two years he was engaged
in business in partnership with Z. E. Mauzy and W. A. Caldwell,
selling out his interests to these two men to take up the study of law
with Ben L. Smith in 1876. Having in due course been admitted to
the bar, he was admitted as a partner by his preceptor, with whom
he practiced until 1881, when he became one of the incorporators of
the Chaffee County Gold and Silver Mining Company of Colorado.
For four years he lived in Poncha Springs, Col., in order to devote
his entire attention to the mining project as the manager. In 1885,
he returned to Rushville to take up again the practice of law, and
there has remained ever since. During his career as an attorney
Judge Megee has been associated with eight men. When Rush and
Shelby counties were separated to make each a judicial circuit he
was appointed judge of the Rush Circuit Court for a term of two
years. After his term on the bench, Judge Megee resumed the
practice of his profession, and in September, 1918, formed a partner-
ship with William L. Newbold under the firm name of Megee &
Newbold. On March 3, 1874, Judge Megee was married to Susan
O. Sneed, a daughter of William C. S. Sneed, also of this county,
and he and his wife are the parents of two children, Ethel and Anna
140 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
S. Ethel Megee married Hugh Fleehart and has two children, John
M. and Florence C. Anna S. married Carl F. Eveleigh and has one
child. Sue Ann. Judge Megee is a member of the Presbyterian
church, in which for about six years he was an elder, and for a time
superintendent of the Sunday school. Fraternally he is a Freemason
and a member of the Knights of Pythias, the former of which has
claimed him for over forty-five years. He has been an active worker
in the ranks of the Democratic party, in the cause of which he has
done yeoman service. He served as clerk of the Indiana State Senate
in 1887 and clerk of the House in 1889, and from 1902 to 1904 he
was chairman of the Democratic committee for the Sixth district.
HARMONEY L. PARSON, a retired farmer and live stock
breeder of Anderson township, now living at Milroy, has been a
resident of this county all his life and has a wide acquaintance
throughout the county. He was born on a pioneer farm in Orange
township on October 7, 1855, son of William and Alida (Boyd) Par-
son, the latter of whom was born in the state of New York and both
of whom spent their last days in Rush county. William Parson was
born in Butler county, Ohio, a son of Samuel Parson, who came over
into Indiana with his family and settled on an eighty-acre farm in
Orange township, this county, thus becoming one of the pioneers of
that township. Samuel Parson and his wife were the parents of six
children, David, Daniel, William, Eliza Jane, Catherine and Samuel,
and the descendants of these in the present generation form a quite
numerous connection. William Parson was but a lad when he came
to this county with his parents and he grew up on the pioneer farm,
in time becoming the owner of the home "eighty" and an adjoining
"eighty," which gave him an excellent farm of 160 acres. He had
early learned the carpenter trade and in addition to his farming did
a great deal of building throughout that part of the county, but.
death cut short his career right in its prime, his death occurring in
1858. His widow survived him many years, her death occurring on
February 28, 1917. William Parson and wife wei - e the parents of
five children, four of whom are still living, those besides the subject
of this sketch being Daniel Parson, of Portland, Ore. ; John B. Parson,
of Kansas, and Catherine M., of Oakland, Cal. Harmoney L. Parson
■was but three years of age when his father died. The mother kept
her family together and maintained the farm home, the boys grow-
ing up as helpful assistants in the labors of the place, and as a young
man Harmoney L. Parson began working at farm work on his own
behalf. He later became engaged as a contractor in county ditch
work and was thus engaged for about ten years, at the end of which
time he became the overseer of the 167-acre farm of bis aunt, Mrs.
Anna M. Bowles, and was thus actively employed until the death of
bis aunt in 1920, and still has supervisory charge of the estate. Mr.
Parson has fifty-five acres of his own, which he also supervises
besides looking after his aunt's estate. For years he has given con-
siderable attention to the raising and buying of live stock and has
done well in his operations. Mr. Parson is a Republican. In his
fraternal relations he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Masons.
THOMAS B. IIEXLEY
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 141
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias,
and in the affairs of these several organizations has for years taken
a warm interest.
THOMAS BENTON HENLEY, who died at his home, "River-
side Farm," along the banks of Big Blue river in the immediate
vicinity of Carthage in the summer of 1916, and whose widow and
son are still living there, was for years regarded as among the lead-
ing agriculturists and stockmen of that section of Rush county, as
well as a man of influence in the various phases of activity which
marked the development of the community in which he spent his
whole life, and it is but fitting that there should be carried in this
Centennial History of Rush County some modest memorial to his
worth as a citizen. Mr. Henley was a member of one of the first
families of Rush county, his grandfather, Elias Henley, having
been one of the leading members of the considerable colony of
Friends which came here from North Carolina and settled along
the Big Blue in the days of the formative period of this section,
and the Henleys have been from the very first among the most in-
fluential factors in the development of that section and of the
county at large. Thomas B. Henley was born on July 11, 1870, son
of Thomas W. and Hannah (Williams) Henley, the former of whom
wias a son of the pioneer Elias Henley, mentioned above. Upon
completing the course in the Carthage high school Mr. Henley took
a course in Indiana University and upon completing his schooling
settled down to his life work, that of farming, a vocation to which
he had been trained from youth by his father, continuing to make
his home on the home farm, where he gave particular attention to
the raising of live stock and early became recognized as one of the
leading stockmen in the county. He married at the age of twenty-
five and established his home at "Riverside Farm," occupying the
site of the original log cabin home, which his grandfather had
erected there many years before, and there he spent the remainder
of his life, his death occurring on July 11, 1916. Mr. Henley was a
birthright member of the Friends church at Carthage and ever
maintained an active interest in the affairs of the local meeting.
By tradition and practice he was a Republican, as the Henleys ever
have been since the days of the organization of that party, and
took a warm interest in local political affairs. It was on September
25, 1895, that Thomas B. Henley was united in marriage to Orah M.
Dill, who also was born in this county, daughter of William H. and
Oleva (Hinton) Dill, also members of old families here, and to
this union one child was born, a son, Hamil D. Henley, born on
January 30, 1897, who completed his schooling in Purdue Univer-
sity, and is now at home managing "Riverside Farm" .for his
mother. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Henley has con-
tinued to make her home on the farm, a well improved and carefully
cultivated place of 240 acres, and is very comfortably situated
there. Mrs. Henley's schooling was completed at Bethany College
142 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
(West Virginia) she having gone to that institution upon complet-
ing the course in the Greenfield high school. She is a member of
the Christian church at Carthage and has ever taken an interested
and helpful part in local good works. In 1917 Mrs. Henley took
a short course in agriculture at Purdue University, receiving her
certificate twenty-four years to the very day, after receiving her
high school certificate.
PLEASANT A. MILLER, a well known former business man of
Rushville and a substantial farmer of Rush county, now living at
232 East Third street, Rushville, was born in Rushville township, this
county, September 7, 1855. His parents were Thomas and Cynthia
E. (Stewart) Miller, the former of whom was born in Harrison
county, Kentucky, January 1, 1824, and the latter in Rushville town-
ship, this county, in 1835. They had four children, two of whom are
living, India and Pleasant A. The father was a farmer in Rush
county. Pleasant A. Miller attended what was known as the Com-
promise school house in boyhood and remained at home assisting his
father until his own marriage, after which he rented land for one
year and then bought forty-four acres and operated it for three
years at the end of which time he accepted an advantageous offer and
sold. Mr. Miller then moved into Rushville, where he has his present
home, and for four years was in the retail liquor business, after
disposing of that moving back to the home farm, where he carried
on general farming for the next twelve years, at the end of that
time purchasing the Grand hotel at Rushville. For several years he
conducted that hostelry, but in 1904 he resumed farming, having
bought the old home place of 212 acres situated in Rushville town-
ship. He devotes his land to general farming and stockraising, ship-
ping about 150 head of hogs annually. On October 24, 1872, Pleasant
A. Miller married Fannie A. Davis, daughter of James and Mary
(Murphy) Davis, and they had four children: Clendas, Herly,
(deceased), Clyde and Thomas G. The mother of these children died
on January 10, 1913, and her burial was in East Hill cemetery. On
March 23, 1918, Mr. Miller married Lena McCormick, who was born
in Carroll county, Indiana, daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Clark)
McCormick. Mrs. Miller is the eldest of their family of seven chil-
dren, the others being Lowell, William, Ina, Thomas, Watson and
Queen. The father of Mrs. Miller is the present sheriff of Carroll
county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have one daughter, Cynthia E., who
was born on January 12, 1919. Mr. Miller takes an interest in public
affairs but has never accepted a political office. He votes with the
Republican party.
MICHAEL KNEY, a general farmer in Walker township, was
born in that township on July 15, I860, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth
(Hael) Kney, both of whom were born in Germany. Jacob Kney
was probably about sixteen years old when he came to the United
States, the only member of his family. He made his way to Indiana,
located in Rush county and here followed farming the rest of his
life. Through thrift and honest industry lie prospered and acquired
700 acres of valuable land. He married Elizabeth Hael, whose peo-
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 143
pie settled in Rush county while she was young, and they became
the parents of seven children, of whom the following survive:
Mary, Henry, Jacob and Michael. Michael Kney attended school
in Orange township, Rush county, the school house having been
named in honor of his father. He remained on the home place until
his marriage, after which he rented land from his father for nine
years, then bought his present home farm of 120 acres. Since that
time he has added until he now owns 360 acres in Walker township
and 120 acres in the adjoining county of Shelby. In addition to
carrying on general farming, Mr. Kney raises a large amount of
stock, having at least 100 head of cattle and 200 head of hogs annually.
Mr. Kney has one of the best improved farms in this section, with
several sets of farm buildings, one set occupied by his son-in-law,
being entirely new, and the other set remodeled and made comfortable
with modern improvements, he occupies himself. On August 14,
1887, Michael Kney married Mary Gahimer, born in Union town-
ship, Shelby county, a daughter of John and Barbara (Hauck)
Gahimer. The father of Mrs. Kney followed farming all his life in
Shelby county, where he owned 800 acres of fine land. All his
children are living, John, Andrew, Jacob, Catherine, Emma and
Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Kney have one daughter, Lena, the wife of
George Wissing, a farmer on Mr. Kney's land in "Walker township.
They have three children, Helen, Caroline and Wallace, the daugh-
ters attending school at Manilla. In political matters Mr. Kney is a
Democrat. He and wife are members of the Evangelical church
in Union township, Shelby county.
FRANK OFFUTT, president of the Arlington Bank of Arling-
ton and a substantial farmer of Posey township, is a native son of
the township in which he has spent practically his entire life of three
score years. He was born on January 6, I860, the son of John and
Priscilla (Gordon) Offutt, the former a native of Kentucky and the
latter of Rush count}'. Both attended school in Rush county, John
Offutt having been brought here in childhood, and on attaining ma-
ture years he followed farming as a livelihood, spending the remainder
of his life in Indiana excepting eight months, which he spent in
Missouri. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Southern ariny
and was killed during that conflict. The subject's paternal grand-
parents were Sabert and Mary H. (Morris) Offutt, were natives
respectively of Maryland and Kentucky. In his early life Mr. Offutt
moved to Scott county, Kentucky, where he devoted himself to farm-
ing pursuits. On August 13, 1829, he was married to Mary Morris
and a short time after their marriage they came to Indiana, settling
on the banks of Little Blue river in Rush county, where he bought
S00 acres of farm land. He applied himself vigorously to the work
of clearing and cultivating this land, in which he met with marked
success and at the time of his death he owned over 900 acres of land
in Rush county. He lived on his first farm until 1873, when he
retired from active farm work and moved to Arlington. To him
and his wife were born eight children, all of whom are deceased,
namely : James A., Mary J., John F., Lewis J., Samantha A., George
144 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
W., Rebecca E. and one that died in infancy. The subject of this
sketch is the only child born to John and Priscilla Offutt. Frank
Offutt was educated in the school at Arlington and was reared in
the home of his maternal grandparents, his own father having given
up his life on a Southern battlefield. Mr. Offutt remained with his
grandparents until he was about twenty-nine years of age, though
he had been married a year prior to that time. Then, in 1892, he
built the house on the Brookville pike, where he now lives, and
otherwise improved the place with commodious and well arranged
farm buildings, so the place is now numbered among the up-to-date
farms of the township. At the early age of sixteen years, he had
rented a tract of land from his grandfather, Gordon, then, five years
later, his grandfather Offutt gave him $1,500. This money the
young man at once invested in an eighty-acre farm in Posey township,
formerly known as the Hiram Tribley farm, and to this he has added
from time to time until today he owns 600 acres of well improved
farm land in one body. A part of this land is rented out by Mr.
Offutt, but the latter is still extensively engaged in farming and
stock raising. He averages about 600 head of hogs each year and
about 100 head of cattle. He has been very successful in his business
affairs and takes a keen interest in everything pertaining to the wel-
fare of the community. He is the president of the Arlington Bank,
at Arlington, one of the sound and influential financial institutions
of Rush county. On June 23, 1889, Mr. Offutt was united in mar-
riage with Nora F. Conaway, the daughter of Samuel and Phoebe
(Allander) Conaway, the former a native of Fleming county, Ken-
tucky, and the latter of Rush county. They were both reared and
educated in this county, and here Mr. Conaway devoted himself to
agriculture, in which he was eminently successful, owning about 225
acres of farm land and property in Arlington at the time of his death.
He and his wife were the parents of fifteen children, of which number
nine are now living, namely: John J., Lucetta, Rebecca, Anna F..
Nora F., Maud, Henry L., George, William, Mary J., Harrietta,
Josephine, Sarah, Charles and Oma. To Mr. and Mrs. Offutt have
been born two children, Clark and Effie. Clark Offutt, born on May
17, 1890, attended the public school, including the high school, at
Arlington, and then entered Butler College, at Indianapolis, but, on
account of bad health, he was compelled to quit college before the
completion of his course and is now at home with his parents. Effie.
born on February 1, 1897, received a high school education at Arling-
ton and is now at home. Mr. and Mrs. Offutt are earnest members
of the Christian church at Arlington. Politically, he is a Democrat.
DONALD L. SMITH, a well known attorney of Rushville, was
born in that city on August 8, 1874, the son of Benjamin L. and
Alice W. (Wilson) Smith. Benjamin L. Smith takes position as
one of the foremost attorneys ever before the Rush county bar, and
no history of the county could be complete without some mention
of this eminent lawyer's career. He was a native of Rush county,
having been born in Union township, November 29, 1835, the son
of Ebenezer and Polly A. (Hadden) Smith, who made this county
BEN L. SMITH
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 145
their home in 1834. Benjamin L. Smith spent the years of his
youth on a farm, but in 1853, when less than eighteen years of age,
was matriculated at Asbury (now DePauw) University at Green-
castle, Ind., and there obtained a classical education. Upon being
graduated from this institution he took up the study of law in the
office of Delaney R. Eckles at Greencastle, and a year later was
admitted to the bar of Putnam county. Immediately he commenced
the practice of his profession at Columbus, Ind., but in July, 1862,
he answered his country's call and enlisted as a private in Com-
pany D, Sixty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His superior
abilities attracted the attention of his superiors, and he was rapidly
promoted until he attained the rank of captain, of his company,
which he held until he was mustered out of the service. Upon re-
turning to civilian life, the young lawyer sought a new field, going
to New Orleans, but after two years in the South, he returned to
Rushville in March, 1867. His ability as a lawyer won him state-
wide recognition, and he was appointed by Governor Gray as
president of the board of trustees of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home
at Knightstown. One instance that may be cited as reflecting the
character and zeal of Mr. Smith is this: When the buildings of
the Orphans' Home were destroyed by fire in 1886, he immediately
took steps for the reconstruction of the place without waiting for
the legislature to appropriate funds for the purpose. Benjamin L.
Smith continued active in practice until his retirement in 1914.
He died at Rushville on December 25, 1915. In other things, great
and small, Mr. Smith showed himself to be a gentleman worthy of
the respect and honor in which he was held by all who knew him.
He was first married on July 29, 1858, to Laura Reynolds, daugh-
ter of Joshua and Diana Reynolds, then of Columbus, Ind. Mrs.
Smith died on June 30, 1871, leaving one child, a daughter, Cora E.
Mr. Smith was married on November 4, 1873, to Alice W. Wilson,
daughter of William and Elizabeth Wilson, and to this union were
born two children, Donald L. and Erema P. Donald L. Smith at-
tended the Rushville high school, and also the Graham Academy,
from which he received his diploma in 1891. He then entered De-
Pauw University, and was graduated therefrom in 1895 with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. He returned to Rushville to engage
in the practice of law with his father and Claude Cambern, the firm
becoming known as Smith, Cambern & Smith, with which he re-
mained for a number of years. In the years 1913 and 1915 he served
Rush county as prosecuting attorney, and then on January 1, 1915,
he formed a partnership with John H. Kiplinger uuder the firm
name of Kiplinger & Smith. In the practice of his chosen profes-
sion, Mr. Smith has been successful. He has for years been local
attorney for the Indianapolis & Connersville Traction Company,
the Cincinnati, Indianapolis & Western Railway Company and the
Big Pour railroad, and in September, 1920, was appointed general
council for the Indianapolis & Connersville Traction Company.
10
146 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Mr. Smith married Edna McFadden, a daughter of Dr. William G.
McFadden, and they have one child, Louis E. Smith. Mr. Smith is
affiliated with the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and, politically, the Democratic party claims him
as an ardent supporter.
ANTHONY II. SCIIRICHTE. It would be difficult anywhere
outside of the larger cities to find cemeteries beautified with finer
examples of the sculptor's art than those of Rush and the adjoining
counties, and the excellence of these is in large measure due to the
genius of Anthony H. Schrichte, of Rushville. Mr. Schrichte was
born in this city on December 4, 1861, a son of J. B. and Katherine
(Schoenbaum) Schrichte, both of Hanover, Germany. The father
was born on May 1, 1835, and at the age of eighteen emigrated to this
country and located at Hamilton, Ohio, where he learned the trade of
marble worker. For two years he pursued his calling at Brookville.
Ind., and then in 1859 came to Rushville and established the monu-
ment works which bore his name. Beginning, necessarily, in a small
way, he applied himself so well to his work, and so skilled was he
that his business grew to large proportions. His fame spread over
the entire state, and monuments were shipped to almost all points
in this as well as to some places in adjoining states. On February 5,
1861, he was married to Katherine Schoenbaum, then of Cincinnati,
whom he had known in Germany as a youth, and to their union were
born nine children of whom four are now living, Anthony, Frank.
Edward and William. Anthony Schrichte received his education in
the public schools of Rushville, and upon leaving them took up the
trade of marble and granite eutter with his father and two of his
brothers, Frank and William. When the death of the father occurred
on November 3, 1911, the three sons took over the business, but later
Anthony bought out the interests of the other two, and since that,
time, 1918, has conducted the business by himself with his son as his
assistant and foreman. The business has steadily grown, and now
several skilled workmen are employed in order that the demands for
monuments may be met. Mr. Schrichte married Emma Stewart and
they are the parents of five children : John, Charles, Marie, Salome,
and Albert. Marie married Frank Hagney and now resides at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. Mr. Schrichte is one of the substantial citizens of
Rushville, and has done much toward increasing the commercial
standing of the county seat.
0. E. HUMES, an experienced and substantial farmer of Rush
county, now living at Rushville, was born on June 7, 1866, in Noble
township, Rush county, a son of John C. and Mary E. (Perkins)
Humes. The father was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the mother
of Rush county. Her parents were Kentuckians, while her husband's
parents were Ohioans. John C. Humes became a man of public
affairs and acquired 320 acres of fine farming land. Of his nine chil-
dren the following are living: Orval, of Indianapolis; John, of
Rushville; 0. S., residing at Rushville; Gertrude, of Rush county;
Jessie A., of Effingham, 111. ; Stella, of Rush county, and Adolph, of
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 147
Indianapolis. The father was a veteran of the Civil war, active in
Republican politics, served several years as trustee of Noble town-
ship and four years as county treasurer. He was one of the early
members of the Masonic lodge at Rushville. He served three years
in the Union army, a member of Company I, Sixty-eighth Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantry. 0. E. Humes attended school at New Salem, in
Noble township, where he received a practical education, after whicli
he assisted his father on the farm, early being given responsibility
on account of his father having numerous other interests. When he
married he started for himself as a farmer, renting land for about six
years in Noble township, then buying a fine property of 240 acres,
and still owns 160 acres of this tract. Mr. Humes by industry and
business foresight has become an extensive landowner, having in all
560 acres of well improved land in Rush county. In addition to
grain and farm produce, he has realized large returns from his
livestock, giving some attention to Shorthorns, and shipping from
400 to 500 head of hogs annually. He is a member of the Rush
County Farmers' Association. On November 28, 1888, he married
Kate Frazee, who was born in Rush county, daughter of Benjamin
and Ruth (Thompson) Frazee. The father of Mrs. Humes was a
substantial farmer, owning 2,000 acres of land in Rush county. She
is the youngest of his three living children, having one brother.
John H. and a sister, Madeline. Mr. and Mrs. Humes have two
children, Benjamin, a farmer in Rush county, who married Elizabeth
Hayden, and has one son, William G., and Robert, who resides with
his parents and operates a garage at Rushville. Like his father Mr.
Humes has always been a Republican but has never accepted political
office. He and his family are members of the Christian church at
Rushville.
CLAUDE R. CRANE, head of the firm of Crane & Ray, shoe
dealers at Milroy, and the owner of an excellent farm in the neigh-
borhood of Milroy, was born in that vicinity, in Anderson township,
and has lived in this county all his life, for years one of the best
known and most progressive merchants and live stock men at Milroy.
He was born on August 2, 1884, son of Isaac and Sarah M. (Thomas)
Crane, the latter of whom also was born in Anderson township, mem-
ber of one of the old families of that part of the county, and who
is still living. Isaac Crane was a Kentuckian by birth, but was but
a lad when he came to Indiana with his parents, the family locating
on a farm in Anderson township, this county. Here he received his
schooling and grew to manhood, after his marriage becoming engaged
in farming on his own account and became the owner of a fine farm
of 160 acres, which he continued to operate until his death in 1894.
To Isaac and Sarah M. (Thomas) Crane seven children were born,
six of whom are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch
being Marshall H. Crane, of Gowdy; William B. Crane, of Anderson
township; George M. Crane, of Indianapolis, Clara Emma, and Daisy
C, wife of Alexander Innis. Reared on the home farm in Anderson
township, Claude R. Crane completed his schooling by a course of
two years at Rose Polytechnic School at Terre Haute and upon leaving
148 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
school became engaged in the shoe business at Milroy, the business
being carried on under the firm name of Crane & Ray, and has
ever since been thus engaged, one of the "live wire" merchants of
that enterprising and pleasant village. In addition to his mercantile
business Mr. Crane is the owner of an excellent farm of 160 acres in
the vicinity of Milroy and personally supervises the operations of
the same, with particular reference to the raising of live stock on
the place, and annually feeds out about 300 head of hogs. In 1910
Claude R. Crane was united in marriage to Catherine Barton, daugh-
ter of William and Virginia Barton, and has a very pleasant home. He
and his wife are members of the Christian church and have ever
given proper attention to local church work. Mr. Crane is a Scottish
Rite Mason and by political affiliation is a Democrat.
SYLVESTER GWINNUP, of Richland township, has achieved
definite success through his own efforts, and is thoroughly deserv-
ing of the proud American title of self-made man. Sylvester Gwin-
nup was born in Richland township on February 19, 1862, and he
is descended from sterling old pioneer stock. His paternal grand-
father, John Gwinnup, a native of Pennsylvania, turned his face
westward and located in Cincinnati, Ohio, whence, in 1822, he
came overland to Rush county and here entered 160 acres of land.
Among his children was Job Gwinnup, who was born and reared
in Rush county and who was a farmer during all his active life.
Energetic and a good manager, he was successful and at the time
of his death he was the owner of 110 acres of land in Richland
township. He died on November 27, 1877, and was survived many
years by his widow, who died in 1903. She had borne the maiden
name of Elizabeth A. Smith, and, like her husband, was born and
reared in this county. To this worthy couple were born ten chil-
dren, of which number six are now living, namely: Sylvester,
Ozias, John L., Minnie, Luther and Dora. Sylvester Gwinnup at-
tended the old Neff Corner school in Richland township and then
turned his attention to the home farm, he being about fifteen years
of age when his father died. He remained with his mother until
1885, and then was employed as a farm hand for about seven
years. He next rented a farm of eighty-five acres and farmed as a
renter for about six years. He then began buying the home farm
and through successive purchases has become the owner of 155
acres. Here he carries on general farming operations, including the
feeding of a goodly number of hogs, and has gained a good reputa-
tion as a careful, practical and up-to-date farmer. On December
31, 1889, Mr. Gwinnup was married to Mary Barnes, the daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barnes, and they have become the parents
of four children, Hazel. Otis, Roy and Ruby. Hazel Gwinnup be-
came the wife of Harold Moore and is the mother of two children,
Seth and Mary Alice. Otis Gwinnup married Stella Cox and Ruby
Gwinnup became the wife of Paid Davison. Politically, Mr. Gwin-
nup supports the Democratic party and his fraternal relations are
MR. AND MRS. SYLVESTER GWINNUP
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 149
with the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a man of sterling qual-
ities of character and is held in the highest regard by the entire
community.
ALBA HURST, a progressive farmer of Walker township, was
born in that township on March 16, 1871, a son of James E. and
Mary (Zike) Hurst, both of whom were born in Rush county. Oi'
their family of nine children there are eight living, Alonzo, Alba,
Winifred, Delia, George, Pluma, Emmons and Anna V. In boyhood
Alba Hurst attended school in Walker township and later had school
advantages at Homer. He has been a farmer almost all his life and a
hard-working one. Following his marriage he operated a farm of
eighty acres belonging to his father-in-law. Later his wife inherited
this farm and Mr. Hurst through his interest and industry has made
it one of the most valuable as well as most presentable farms in
Walker township. He not only has put in a fine system of ditching
and built substantial fencing around the property, but has replaced
all the old structures with new and modern buildings. Mr. Hurst
is a careful farmer and in addition to doing well in grain and other
crops, raises about sixty head of hogs every year. On December 23,
1891, he married Fannie M. Miller, who was born in this county, a
daughter of John B. and Sarah (Clingman) Miller, whose other chil-
dren are Bert, Rue and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst have two
children : Ethel, wife of Wilbur Mahan, who is in the United States
railway mail service and a resident of Rushville, and has two children.
Grayson J. and Lewis Mull, and Ella, who is the wife of Joseph
Cotton, a farmer in Walker township. Mr. Hurst and his family
are members of the Baptist church at Homer. He is a Republican
but has never desired public office, although at one time he con-
sented to serve to fill out another's term as township trustee, and
during that period of four months proved entirely efficient.
JOHN McCOY, a general farmer with large interests in Posey
township, was born in this county, June 9, 1863, a son of Thomas and
Mary (Mo ran) McCoy, both of whom were born in Ireland. When a
boy of seven, the father came to Montreal, Canada, where he lived
until 1856 when he came to Rush county to take up the career of
farming in which he was to become so eminently successful. The
mother came to Rush county from Niagara Falls, New York, in 1858
and married Mr. McCoy that same year. Mr. McCoy was an indus-
trious, capable farmer, and at the time of his death had acquired 400
acres of fine land in Posey township. He and his wife had eight
children, John, Frank, Joseph, Rosa, Thomas, Mary, William and
Elizabeth, all living in Rush county at this writing (1921). John
McCoy attended the Concord school in Rushville township when i
boy, early beginning to help his father, with whom he remained
until his marriage, after which he rented land and carried on farming
operations for himself. At his father's death he received eighty acres
from the estate to which he has since added until he now owns
220 acres, all lying in Posey township. General farming and stock
raising have engaged his attention and yearly he markets 150 head
150 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
of hogs and some fine cattle. August 4, 1890, Mr. McCoy married
Elizabeth Sullivan, born in Rush county, a daughter of Joseph and
Mary (Lenan) Sullivan. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan were the parents
of twelve children of whom the following survive : Joseph, William.
Leo, Mary, Margaret and Katherine. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have an
adopted son, Thomas Saunders, and the family belong to St. Mary's
Catholic Church at Rushville. Mr. McCoy is well known in fraternal
circles at Rushville, being a member of the Rushville lodge of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and also of Rushville Lodge,
No. 769, Knights of Columbus. Mr. McCoy is deeply interested as a
good citizen in public affairs both in local and state questions, and
has always voted with the Democratic party.
FRED H. FINLAW, M. D., of Arlington, who has within a
dozen years advanced to an enviable position among the physicians
of Rush county, a locality well known for the high order of its medical
talent, was born at Camden, N. J., on the first day of June, 1882,
and is the son of Dr. James P. and Elizabeth (Bowlus) Finlaw. The
subject received his elementary education in the public schools of
Camden, including three years of high school. Then, having deter-
mined to devote his life to the healing art, he matriculated in the
Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati where he was graduated on
April 29, 1908, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. During the
following year he served as resident physician at the Seton Hospital,
but in October, 1909, the Doctor came to Rush county and entered
upon the active practice of his profession at Moscow. Two years later
he came to Arlington, where he has since remained and where he has
built up a large and representative patronage throughout the sur-
rounding country. He is a close and constant student of every phase
of the science to which he has devoted himself and has gained an
enviable reputation as a successful physician. During the recent
World war Doctor Finlaw entered the service and was sent to the
medical officers' training camp at Camp Oreenleaf, Ga., where he
became a member of the staff with the rank of first lieutenant. He
remained there until December 31, 1918, when he was transferred
to the Hospital Train Service at Newport News, Va., where he
remained nine months. He received an honorable discharge from
the service at Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky., on September 25, 1919,
and at once resumed his practice at Arlington. On April 27, 1910,
Doctor Finlaw was married to Lydia P. Shepard, who was born and
reared in Maysville, Ky. Politically, Doctor Finlaw is independent,
voting according to the dictates of his judgment, regardless of party
lines. Fraternally, the Doctor belongs to Phoenix Lodge, No. 62, Free
and Accepted Masons, at Rushville; Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington ; and the Modern
Woodmen of America at Rushville. He is a member of the Indiana
Eclectic Medical Association and the National Eclectic Medical Asso-
ciation. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church at Arlington. The Doctor is a man of kindly dis-
position and generous impulses and is deservedly popular throughout
the community where he lives.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 151
HARRY A. KRAMER, who has built up an important
enterprise at Rushville and accumulated a comfortable portion of
this world's goods entirely through his own efforts and industry,
was born in Indianapolis on February 26, 1874, the son of Henry
and Maria (Mueller) Kramer, both of whom were born in Germany,
where they were married. Shortly after their marriage they came
to this country, realizing that there was infinitely more opportunity
for advancement on this side of the Atlantic. They settled in In-
dianapolis, where he followed the trade of butcher which he had
learned in Germany. He later removed to Crawfordsville continuing
in the same line of enterprise, following it the remainder of his days.
To him and his wife were born ten children, eight of whom are now
living. Six of the sons became butchers, and among them Harry A..
who saw that by the application of modern business principles, suc-
cess could as readily be attained in this as well as in any other calling.
He received his education in the schools of Crawfordsville and after
completing the prescribed course of study, he learned the trade of
butcher with his father. When his father undertook the operation
of a slaughter house in Crawfordsville he assisted him in every way
possible, and remained with the older man until 1899 when he came
to Rushville. Having become convinced that this city was well suited
to his purpose, he bought out the Kohlhier meat market, and con-
ducted this retail establishment with success for about seven years.
Then, wishing to enlarge the scope of his operations, he opened his
wholesale meat and packing house in the location now occupied by
his business. He has steadily added improvements and up-to-date
equipment and a refrigerating plant. His plant has a capacity of
500 hogs per week, and he is now installing a large scraping machine
having a capacity of 100 hogs per hour. The Kramer Packing Com-
pany is the manufacturer of "Excelsior" hams and bacon, brands
which are favorably known throughout this section of the state. Iu
addition to his packing interests, Mr. Kramer is the proprietor of
one retail market in Rushville. Mr. Kramer married Elizabeth Pun-
tenney, a daughter of George and Josephine Puntenney, and they
are the parents of one son, "William. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer are
earnest members of the United Presbyterian church, and fraternally.
Mr. Kramer is a member of the local lodge of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. In his political belief he counts himself
among the members of the Democratic party, although he has never
striven for political preferment on his own account.
ROBERT KENNEDY, a well known retired farmer of this
county, who is now making his home at Rushville, was born on
February 3, 1848, in North Carolina. His parents were Henry and
Sabra (Hilton) Kennedy, the father a native also of North Carolina
and the mother of Maryland. They had nine children born to them
and two of these are living, Nora and Robert, The father was a
cabinet-maker by trade, but Robert early decided to become a farmer,
and after his school days were over, he came to Indiana and secured
work as a farm hand in Rush county. He never afterward changed
his mind in favor of another vocation, but kept on working on
1.52 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
tarms for eight years, when through industry and economy he was
able to purchase a farm of 120 acres, situated in Noble township,
and afterward bought the adjoining farm of 120 acres. He remained
on this property as a general farmer and stock raiser for thirty-four
years, during part of the time managing to ship at least one car load
of cattle and three of hogs yearly. After this long period of profita-
ble farming he leased his land and retired to a comfortable home at
Rushville. During his eight years of residence in Noble township
Mr. Kennedy served efficiently as road supervisor, being elected
to the office on the Republican ticket. On December 15, 1871, he
married Mary Barnes, who was born in Rush county, daughter of
Aaron and Ann (Laughlan) Barnes. She died on May 12, 1906, and
her burial was in East Hill cemetery. She left two children, Jesse B.
and Clyde C. Jesse B. Kennedy, who is in the United States railway
mail service, lives at Irvington, Ind. He married Florence Sipe, and
they have two children, Lela and Donald B., the former of whom is
the wife of Dr. Cullen Sexton, of Rushville. Clyde C. Kennedy is a
civil engineer and lives in San Francisco, Cal. He married Mable
Roberts and they have four children, Richard, Louise, Robert and
Mary. On December 23, 1908, Robert Kennedy married Emma
Newby, who was born in Davidson county. North Carolina, daughter
of Henry and Delia (Kennedy) Newby. The father of Mrs. Kennedy
was a shoemaker and also a farmer. Of his eleven children the fol-
lowing are living : Henry, Emma, Nancy, Sally, Robert, Maggie, Carl.
John, William, Edward and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are mem-
bers of the Christian church at Rushville.
JOSEPH II. RICH, who died at his farm home in Union town-
ship early in 1919, was born in that township and spent the greater
part of his life there. He was a member of one of the old families
of Rush county, was a well known and influential citizen of the
community in which he so long resided and it is but fitting that
there should be carried in this volume of biography relating to the
families of this county some modest tribute to the excellent mem-
ory he left at his passing. Joseph II. Rich was born on a farm in
Union township on September 2, 1850, son of Robert W. and
Phoebe (Shawahan) Rich, both of whom also were born in Rush
county, members of pioneer families here. Robert W. Rich was a
good farmer and followed that vocation all his life, developing a
good property in Union township. Of the three children born to
him and his wife the subject of this memorial tribute was the only
one that grew to maturity. Reared on the home farm in Union
township, Joseph II. Rich received his schooling in the local schools
and as a young man continued farming witli his father until his
marriage at the age of twenty-three when he rented a farm in that
neighborhood and began operations on his own account. Not long
afterward he moved up into Madison county to engage in farming,
but did not remain there long, presently returning to Rush county.
Upon his return here he bought a farm of ninety-seven acres in
Union township, established his home there and on that place
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HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 153
spent the remainder of his life, doing well his part in the general
community life, his death occurring there on February 3, 1919.
Joseph H. Rich was a member of the Fairview Christian church, as
is his widow, and was a member of the local lodge of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows at Falmouth. In his political affiliation
he was a Democrat. On March 13, 1873, Joseph H. Rich was united
in marriage to Hetty Penwell, who was born in the neighboring
county of Fayette, and to this union two children were born, a son
and a daughter, Roy and Ethel, both of whom are living. Roy
Rich married Agatha Adams and has two children, Edna, wife of
Royal Burton, and Paul. Ethel Rich married Hasting Fielding.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Rich has moved from the farm
in Union township to the pleasant village of Falmouth, where she
is now living comfortably situated. As noted above she was born
in Fayette county and her parents, William Reed and Jane (Rea)
Penwell, also were born in that same county, members of old fam-
ilies there. William Reed Penwell was a farmer for years in
Fayette county and then moved with his family over into Rush
county, where he became engaged in farming and where he and his
wife spent their last days. They were the parents of two children,
Mrs. Rush and her sister, Viola.
SAMUEL DARNELL, a well known retired farmer of Anderson
township, this county, now living at Milroy, where he has made his
home for the past two or three years, is a Kentuckian by birth but
has been a resident of Indiana since he was twenty years of age and
has spent the major part of his life in this county. Mr. Darnell
was born in Scott county, Kentucky, September 14, 1850, son of John
G. and Melissa (Arrowsmith) Darnell, both of whom were born in
Nicholas county, that same state, members of pioneer families there,
but whose last days were spent in Indiana. John G. Darnell was
reared in Nicholas county, Kentucky, the county of his birth, and
was married in Scott county, Kentucky. He was reared as a farmer
and after his marriage continued to farm in his home county until
the year 1870 when he came to Indiana with his family and located
in Decatur county, where he rented a farm, but after awhile he came
with his family up into Rush county, rented a farm here and
remained until about the year 1880, when he moved to White county,
this state, and bought a farm on which he spent the remainder of his
life. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, J. W.
(deceased), Samuel, Eliza, Anna, Sarah, Helen, Catherine, Christina,
Edward and Melvina. As noted above, Samuel Darnell was about
twenty years of age when he came to Indiana with his parents and he
remained with them until he attained his majority when he began
farm work on his own account. After his marriage he rented a farm
and in the following year bought a farm of eighty acres in Anderson
township, this county, and there established his home, continuing to
make his residence there until in 1918 when he retired from the
active labors of the farm and moved to Milroy, where he and his
family are now living. It was in 1886 that Samuel Darnell was
154 HISTORY OF BUSH COUNTY
united in marriage to Amanda Morgan, a daughter of Evan and
Mary Ann (Ricketts) Morgan of this county, and to this union one
child has been born, a daughter, Lena, who married Benjamin God-
dard and has two children, Helen Margaret and Mary Frances. Mr.
and Mrs. Darnell are members of the Christian church and take a
proper interest in church work and in the general good works of
their home community. In his political views Mr. Darnell is a
Democrat.
D. EZRA CARMONY, a well-known and substantial farmer of
Walker township, this county, and who also is a member of the firm
of Carmony Bros., funeral directors at Morristown, in the neighbor-
ing county of Shelby, is a native son of Shelby county, but has been
a resident of Rush county for more than ten years, having made his
home here after his marriage, a very sensible step which he has had
no occasion to regret. He was born on a farm in Union township.
Shelby county, February 20, 1888, son of Thomas F. and Emma J.
(Youngs) Carmony, both of whom were born in that same county,
members of old families in the Morristown neighborhood. Thomas
F. Carmony was a well-to-do farmer, a vocation which he followed
all his life, and was the owner of 244 acres. He and his wife were
the parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are still living, those
besides the subject of this sketch being Grace A., Flora L., Albert R.,
Harry E., Laura E., Fern, Lillian and Charles E. Reared on the
home farm, D. Ezra Carmony received his schooling in the neighbor-
hood schools and early became interested in the funeral director's
necessary calling, becoming associated with his brother, Albert R.
Carmony, in the undertaking business at Morristown, about 1915.
In order fully to equip himself along this line he entered the Askin
training school for embalmers at Indianapolis and after a course
there was graduated from that institution with highest honor. The
firm ranks among the best qualified undertakers in the state. In
1910 Mr. Carmony came over into Rush county and located on the
Hertsel homestead farm in Walker township and has since made that
place his home, he and his family being very comfortably situated.
Besides managing the Hertsel farm Mr. Carmony rents an additional
sixty acres, making the total acreage which he handles, about 300
acres and is quite extensively engaged, in addition to his general
farming, in the raising of live stock, feeding about five car loads of
hogs and a car load of cattle annually. He still retains his interest
in the business of Carmony Brothers at Morristown. It was on
February 24, 1909, four days after attaining his majority, that D.
Ezra Carmony was united in marriage to Olive L. Hertsel, of this
county, and to this union three children have been born, L. Clarine,
Vera La von (deceased), and Bernetta T. Mr. and Mrs. Carmony
are members of the Methodist church at Manilla and take a proper
interest in church work as well as in the general social activities of
their home community. Politically, Mr. Carmony is a Democrat, but
lias never been particularly active in politics. Mrs. Carmony is a
member of one of the old families of Rush count}', her father, Michael
Hertsel, having been born here, ner mother, who before her mar-
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 155
riage was Kathryn Borger, was born in Cincinnati. Michael Hertsel
was a substantial farmer of Walker township, where Mrs. Carmony
was born, and he and his wife were the parents of two children,
Mrs. Carmony having a brother, Jacob C. Hertsel.
CHARLES JOHNSON, a well known Posey township farmer
who has passed his life here, was born in the township in which he
now resides on January 24, 1876, and is the son of Benjamin S.
and Stacia A. (Alexander) Johnson, who were born on August 11.
1835, and May 12, 1838, respectively. Benjamin S. Johnson was a
native of Brown county, state of Ohio, whence he was brought to
Indiana by his parents when he was six years old, the family locating
in Rush county. Here he was educated and on attaining years of
maturity he applied himself to agricultural pursuits, following that
vocation in Posey township the remainder of his life. He was suc-
cessful and became the owner of 240 acres of land. He gave special
attention to the breeding and raising of hogs, of which he handled
great numbers. Mrs. Johnson was born and reared in Rush county
and by her union with Mr. Johnson she became the mother of ten
children, namely : Cansada, who is living in the neighboring county
of Henry; Callie, who lives in California; Thomas S. (deceased) ;
Bruce, Charlotte, Luvine C. and Mary, of this county; Ora A., of
Kansas City, Mo., and Charles and Lelah, of this county. Charles
Johnson was educated in district school No. 8, Rushville township,
and after completing his studies he remained on the home farm-
working for his mother until her death, since which time he and his
three sisters, Charlotte, Mary and Lelah, have made their home there.
They own 160 acres of land, which is well improved and highly cul-
tivated. Mr. Johnson carries on a general line of farming, raising
all the crops common to this section of the country, and also gives
attention to live stock, feeding about 350 head of hogs annually.
Mr. Johnson takes a justifiable pride in the general condition of the
farm, which, under his direction and efforts, has become known as
one of the best and most attractive in his section of the country.
Politically, Mr. Johnson gives his support to the Democratic party,
while he sustains fraternal relations with the Knights of Pythias
lodge at Rushville. Personally, he is a man of genial disposition and
obliging manner and he enjoys the friendship and good will of a
host of acquaintances.
JOHN T. BUSSELL, a member of one of the prominent pioneer
families of Rush county, was born in Union township on June 19,
1851, the son of James and Elizabeth Jane (McMillin) Bussell.
James Bussell was born in Greene county, Ohio, February 4, 1820,
the son of Samuel and Sarah (Morgan) Bussell, the former of
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, the latter a native of Vir-
ginia. During the War of 1812 Samuel Bussell served in the Ameri-
can army, and in 1821 decided to come west. Accordingly, in Sep-
tember of that year, he came to Indiana and in Rush county entered
a tract of land, then a virgin wilderness, in the southeast quarter of
section 19 in Union township. On February 2, 1822, he brought his
family to the cabin which he had erected — his son James then being
156 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
not quite two years old. Opportunities for education were extremely
limited in that early day, and James had, therefore, to depend almost
solely on his native ability to make a success of his life. At the age
of twenty-one he commenced farming the home place, and at his
father's death bought eighty acres of it, increasing his holdings to
341 acres before his death. James Bussell was twice married and by
his first wife had a son, James A. Bussell. On March 18, 1847, he
took for his second wife Elizabeth Jane McMillin, a daughter of John
and Susan McMillin, pioneers of Rush county, and they became the
parents of four children: Susan J. (deceased), John T., Jessie F.
and Emeline, who died at the age of two years. John T. Bussell
attended the public schools of Union township, and then took up
farming in conjunction with his father, with whom he remained until
he was married, at which time he entered business for himself, renting
fields from his father for several years. He then was able to buy a
farm of 120 acres, which he has since owned, besides an eighty acre
tract added later. Here he has always done a general farming busi-
ness and raised a large amount of stock, and with characteristic
progressiveness has made splendid improvements on it. He is inter-
ested in all modern agricultural methods, and has greatly increased
the productivity of his soil by scientific crop rotation and fertiliza-
tion. He was married in 1878 to Nancy Smith, a daughter of George
and Mary Smith, and to their union there have been born three
children: Blanche, who married Claude Thompson; Guy, who mar-
ried Clara Shafer and has three children, Philip, Clarence, and
Edgar; and John C, who is unmarried. Mr. Bussell is a member
of the Christian church, in the work of which he long has been
interested, having held the offices of elder, deacon and clerk, and in
his political belief is a Republican.
"WILLIAM H. NELSON, than whom no citizen of a past gen-
eration in Rush county was better or more favorably known, was
long an enterprising and progressive farmer and stock raiser and
a citizen who, while advancing the interests of himself and family,
never neglected his duties to the public. Whatever of success he
attained was entirely owing to his individual efforts, his energy
and natural ability. From a modest beginning he gradually
attained a prominence in his county which entitled him to the high
esteem which he enjoyed among his neighbors. Mr. Nelson was
born in Anderson township, this county, March 3, 1842, and was
the son of Capt. Christian and Faticia (Cooper) Nelson, the former
a native of Denmark and the latter born and reared in Greenfield,
Ind. The subject received a common school education, attending
the school at Arlington. In his boyhood days he worked on the
farm for his father, and so continued up to the time of his
marriage, when he started out on his own account by renting a por-
tion of his father's farm, to the operation of which he devoted
himself for about five years. He then bought 100 acres of land in
Posey township, where he and his good wife established their home
and there they resided for about thirty years, or until Mr. Nelson
1
"
■f^T^
~"^l
/
M
^^
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 157
retired from active farm work and moved to Arlington, where he
was residing at the time of his death, which occurred on September
3, 1914. Mr. Nelson was industrious, energetic and a man of sound
business judgment, so that he was enabled to add to his land hold-
ings from time to time until at the time of his death he was the
owner of 1,100 acres of fine, fertile farm land, 900 acres lying in
Rush county and 200 acres in Shelby county. During his active
years on the farm Mr. Nelson gave considerable attention to the
raising of live stock. He was practical and up-to-date in his
methods and was numbered among the progressive farmers of his
county. On September 29, 1861, "William 11. Nelson was married to
Elizabeth Adams, who was born in Posey township, this county,
the daughter of Jesse and Millie (Allander) Adams, both of whom
also were natives of Rush county. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were
born seven children, of whom six are living, namely : Adella, Mil-
lie, Margaret, Jesse, John, Myrta and Fannie. Adella became the
wife of William Eaton, a farmer in Shelby county; Millie is the
wife of James Draper, a farmer in Posey township, Rush county,
and they have nine children, Olive, Cora, Nellie, Pearl, Waldo,
Alphonso, Ozrow, Millie and Emerson, all of whom are married
excepting Millie ; Margaret, deceased, was the wife of Perry Col-
lins, a farmer of Posey township, and the mother of two children,
Harry and Claude ; Jesse, a farmer in Shelby county, married
Kathryn Price and they have three children, Bessie, Brainard and
Warren; John, a farmer in Posey township, married Myrta Offutt
and they have one child, Sabert D. ; Myrta is the wife of Henry
Conway, a farmer in Posey township; Fannie is the wife of Noah
Moore, a farmer in Posey township, and they have two children,
Wildean and John Roy. Mr. Nelson was a lifelong supporter of
the Democratic party and always took a keen interest in the trend
of public events, especially as relating to his own community. He
was an earnest member of the Christian church at Arlington.
GEORGE MURPHY, an experienced farmer of Rush county,
now residing at Rushville but actively interested in a large property
in Union township, was born in Noble township, this county, Novem-
ber 1, 1856. His parents were John and Anna (McCrory) Murphy,
who were born in Butler county, Ohio, and Fayette county, Indiana,
respectively. Of their family of six children the following are living :
Charles, of New Salem; Jessie, of Noble township; Mrs. Ida George,
of Orange; LeRoy, of New Salem, and George, of Rushville. The
father was a farmer throughout life and at one time owned 260 acres
of land in Noble township. George Murphy attended the Apple-
gate district school in his boyhood, then became his father's helper
and remained on the home farm until his marriage. When starting
out for himself, Mr. Murphy rented land for several years, later buy-
ing forty acres in Noble township, which property he held for some
\ears but ultimately sold it. Mr. Murphy is now operating a farm
of 160 acres in Union township that belongs to his wife, carrying on
general crop raising and paying some attention to good stock. He
158 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
raises a few cattle every year and about 150 head of hogs. Mr.
Murphy has been twice married. In 1878 he was united in marriage
to Julia Thompson, of this county, and to this union was born one
child, a daughter, Mrs. Ethel Bowen, of Orange. On October 9,
1884, he married Melvina Murdock, who was born in Keokuk county.
Iowa, daughter of Hugh and Martha J. (Legg) Murdock, who were
parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Murphy now alone survives.
Mrs. Murphy's father died and her mother married Francis M. Ham-
ilton, to which union three children were born: Francis M., Theodocia
and Andrew Jackson, the last two of whom are deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Murphy had a son, Otto Chester, born on October 25, 18S5. He
married Aletha A. Stephens, who died on September 15, 1912, and
lier burial was in East Hill cemetery. Otto Chester Murphy was a
farmer in Rush county and was widely known. His death occurred
on February 12. 1920, leaving one daughter, Helen J., who was born
on November 19, 1910, who is attending school at Rushville and
makes her home with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy. Mr.
and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Plum Creek Christian Church.
Mr. Murphy has always been interested in public affairs and votes
with the Republican party.
OLIVER W. SMITH, who died at his home in Milroy in 1904
and whose widow is still living there, was one of the best known
young farmers of that section of Rush county and at his passing at
the age of thirty-two years left a good memory, a modest tribute to
which it is but fitting should here be set out in this volume of bi-
ographies relating to the old families of the county. He was born on
a farm in Anderson township on December 26, 1871, son of Jetson
and Clarinda Reardin Smith, both of whom were born in Indiana,
members of pioneer families hereabout, and whose last days were
spent here. Jetson Smith was a well-to-do farmer and he also gave
considerable attention to public affairs, having served one term as
county clerk. He was re-elected to that office but before entering
upon his second term died, leaving his widow with two children, the
subject of this memorial having had a sister, Cora. Reared on the
home farm in Anderson township, Oliver W. Smith received his
schooling in the local schools and as a young man gave his attention
to the management of the farm of 200 acres left by his father and
was thus engaged until his death. After his marriage he made his
home in Milroy and it was there his last days were spent, his death
occurring there on November 5, 1904. Mr. Smith was a Democrat.
In his fraternal relations he was a member of the local lodge of the
Knights of Pythias and took a warm interest in the affairs of that
organization. He was a member of the Christian church, as is his
widow, and also gave proper attention to local church work. It was
in 1898 that Oliver W. Smith was united in marriage to Bessie Jack-
man, who also was bora in this county, daughter of John and Caro-
line (Tompkins) Jackman, both members of pioneer families here.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Smith has continued to make her
home at Milroy, where she is very pleasantly situated. As noted
above, she is a member of the Christian church and has ever given
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 159
her interested attention to church work as well as to all well directed
movements having to do with the advancement of the common good
in the community.
NOAH MATLOCK, a retired farmer who died at his home in
Circleville, this county, December 12, 1920, was born on February
26, 1844, in Rushville township, and had lived in this county all his
life. His parents were Thomas S. and Mary (Alexander) Matlock,
who had a family of twelve children, the following surviving : Smith
H., of Howard county, Indiana; Mrs. Caroline Amos, also of Howard
county; William A., of that same county; Cicero, of Kokomo, In-
diana; Mrs. Mary A. Shropshire, of Rushville, and Bruce, of Circle-
ville. The father of this family was born in Overton county, Tennes-
see^ and the mother in Kentucky. They made the journey to Indiana
on horseback, arriving in Rush county on August 13, 1831, and the
late Noah Matlock owned the house in which his parents spent their
first night in Indiana. His father was an educated man and had
taught school for twelve years in Kentucky before coming to Indiana,
where he acquired large bodies of land and followed farming. He
owned 455 acres in Rushville township, this county, and 220 acres
in Howard county. He took an interest in having his children edu-
cated and after Noah left school he was associated with his father as
a farmer until he was thirty years old. Following his marriage he
rented 140 acres from his father-in-law, which he operated for six
years, after which he bought thirty-seven acres in Rushville township,
♦hat being the nucleus of his later extensive farm of 286 acres. Dur-
ing his active years Mr. Matlock carried on general farming and
raised a good grade of stock, usually marketing 100 head of hogs
yearly. Upon retiring he gave his land to his children and for some
years, or until his death, lived at Circleville. On September 24, 1874,
Noah Matlock married Martha E. King, who was born in Rushville
township, this county, daughter of Elisha and Martha (Wood) King,
natives of Kentucky and Wayne county, Indiana, respectively. They
had ten children of whom Mrs. Matlock is the only survivor. Her
father was a heavy landowner in Rush county, owning a farm of 500
acres in Rushville township and 140 acres in Anderson township.
Mr. and Mrs. Matlock had four children, two of whom survive.
Ernest K. and Florence. Ernest K. Matlock is a banker in the city
of Detroit, Michigan. He married Sarah Webster and has two chil-
dren, Webster and Martha J. Florence Matlock married Theodore
Abercrombie, a farmer in Rushville township. Mr. Matlock was a
member of the Christian church, as is his widow. In his political
views he was a Democrat.
CARL FREDERICK BEHER, D. D. S., one of the well-known
dental practitioners of Rushville, was born in Rush county on April
24, 1879, the son of John Frederick and Amelia E. (Dill) Beher.
both of Rush county. John F. Beher was for a great many years a
popular merchant at Occident, this county, where he conducted a
general merchandising business until the time of his death in Sep-
tember, 1881, at his home in Occident. After his death, Mrs. Beher
married William N. Megee, of Rush county. She was the mother of
160 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
three children, Carl Frederick Beher, Minnie T. Beher and Grace
(Megee) Anderson. Dr. Carl F. Beher received his early educa-
tional training in the public schools of Rushville, completing his
sophomore year in the high school. He then went into Dr. Megee 's
dental office as apprentice for two years. In 1898 he entered the
Ohio College of Dental Surgery at Cincinnati, and after a thoroughly
comprehensive course there, was graduated in 1901 with the degree of
D. D. S. In November of the same year, he opened an office in
Rushville, where he has practiced continuously since, a conscientious
student of his profession. On December 12, 1905, Doctor Beher mar-
ried Lucia Wilson, and to this union there has come one child, Will-
iam Frederick, born on July 10, 1907, who is attending school in
Rushville. Both the Doctor and his wife are earnest members of the
Christian church, and politically belong to the Democratic party.
He holds membership in a number of fraternal and professional
societies, the Masons, in which order he has attained the Scottish Rite :
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Rotary Club, the
State and National Dental Associations, and the Psi Omega dental
fraternity. To the dentists of Rushville belong the credit of originat-
ing the plan of making Wednesday afternoon a holiday for dentists.
an idea which has been taken up by the profession throughout the
entire state. The local representatives of this profession are Drs.
F. R. McClanahan, F. M. Sparks, Hale Pearsey, Charles S. Green,
P. H. Chadwick, Frank Smith and Carl Frederick Beher, and to th<»
admirable spirit of friendly co-operation which has been displayed by
them may be directly attributed the success of the organization which
they maintain.
JAMES P. ARCHEY, who died at his home at Milroy in 1918
and who for years had been regarded as one of the substantial land-
owners and farmers of that part of the county, a man of influence
along several lines, was a Virginian by birth, but had been a res-
ident of Indiana since his majority and had thus come to regard
himself as much a Hoosier as though "native and to the manner
born." He was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, October 14,
1845, son of Peter and Abigail Archey, both natives of the Old
Dominion, who came to Indiana, driving through with their fam-
ily and belongings in 1866, and established their home in Shelby
county, locating on a farm where they spent their last days. Peter
Archey and wife were the parents of nine children, of whom three,
Mary, Charles and Andrew, are still living, the others besides the
subject of this memorial sketch having been Joseph, John, Robert,
Blaine, and Thomas. As will be noted by a comparison of the dates
above given, James P. Archey was twenty-one years of age when he
came to Indiana with his parents. He had been reared to the farm
in his native Virginia and upon coming here resumed farming,
working with his father until his marriage two years later, after
which he rented a farm in Rush county, and began operations on
his own account. His affairs prospered and he presently bought
a farm of eighty acres and also began buying and selling live stock
JAMES 1'. ARCHBY
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 161
on a considerable scale and in both farming and in his stock deal-
ing did well. After a while lie sold his " eighty" to advantage and
bought another place, the acreage of which he gradually increased
until he became the owner of a fine farm of 240 acres in Anderson
township and on that place made his home until his retirement from
the farm in 1888 and removal to Milroy, afterward giving most of
his attention to his stock buying, and there spent the rest of his
life, his death occurring on December 9, 1918. In his political views
Mr. Archey was a Democrat and ever since coming to Indiana had
given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs. Fraternally,
he was affiliated with the local lodge of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows at Milroy and had taken a proper interest in the af-
fairs of that popular organization. He was a member of the Meth-
odist church, as is his widow, wias for years a class leader in the
church, superintendent of the Sunday school and a member of the
board of trustees, and in other ways was helpful in strengthening
and advancing the labors of the congregation. It was on December
1, 1868, that James P. Archey was united in marriage to Elizabeth
Hill, who was born in this county, daughter of James and Mary
(Armstrong) Hill, and to this union were born seven children, of
whom six are still living, namely : Ef fie, who married Leslie Scull
and has two children, Edna and Clarence; Edgar, who married
Minnie Walker and has three children, Clara, Elmer and Margaret ;
Zelma, who married Walter Mansfield and has two children, Car-
los and Camilla ; Hugh, who married Eva McCracken and has one
child, Lawrence ; Clyde, who married Anna Aldridge and has two
children, James William and Mary Louise, and Cleve, who married
Dorothy Allison and has four children, James Francis, Robert Alli-
son, Clara Belle and Edward Elsworth. Four of Mrs. Archey 's
grandchildren are married and she has two great-grandchildren, as
follows : Edna Scull married William Davis ; Clarence Scull mar-
ried Fay Westerfield and has one child, Dorothy Louise ; Clara
married William Bentz, and Carlos Mansfield married Ida MeGuire
and has one child, a daughter, Marie Elizabeth. Since the death of
her husband Mrs. Archey has continued to make her home at Mil-
roy, where she is very pleasantly situated. As noted above, she
was born in this county, but was but a babe when her parents
moved from here over into the neighboring county of Franklin,
where she received her schooling and grew to womanhood, and
where her parents spent the remainder of their lives. James Hill,
father of Mrs. Archey, was a Pennsylvanian by birth, who had
come to Indiana in the days of his young manhood and here saw
fit to remain. He was a skilled carpenter and builder and followed
that vocation quite successfiuly both during the time of his resi-
dence in Rush county and after moving to Franklin county. He
and his wife were the parents of seven children, those besides Mrs.
Archey (the first born) being Fannie, John, Emma, Jesse, Cyras
and Alice.
11
162 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
DAYTON HUNGERFORD, a well-known and substantial
retired farmer of this county, now living at Milroy, was horn in
Rush county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm
in Orange township on April 7, 1848, son of Calvin and Eleanor
(Sefton) Hungerford, both of whom were born in Ohio but who spent
most of their lives in this county, for many years useful and honored
residents of Orange township. Calvin Hungerford was born in But-
ler county, Ohio, and there grew to manhood. He then came to
Indiana and located in Rush county, engaged for some time in farm
work on the farm he bought when he first came here and then erected
a combined saw and gristmill on the creek in Orange township, the
same being operated by water power and was for years there engaged
as a miller, but as the products of the local mills began to be crowded
out by the more widely distributed products of the larger mills dis-
continued that business and bought a farm in Orange township and
began to develop his farming interests which he gradually extended
until he became the owner of a fine farm of 500 acres, and on that
place spent his last days, his death occurring before he had reached
middle age. Calvin Hungerford was a man of influence in his com-
munity and for several terms served as justice of the peace in and
for Orange township, as "Squire" Hungerford being widely known
throughout the county. His widow survived him and continued to
maintain the home, the operations of which were carried on by her
elder sons until finally distribution of the estate was made. Calvin
Hungerford and wife were the parents of nine children, six of whom
are still living, those besides the subject of this sketeh being Henry,
of Anderson township; John, of Grant county, this state; Sarah E.,
wife of Israel Piper, of Milroy; Orlando, of Shelby county, this
state, and Caroline, wife of Elbert Hodges, of Posey township, this
county. Reared on the home farm in Orange township, Dayton
Hungerford received his schooling in the schools of that neighbor-
hood and early began to take, in his mother's behalf, an active inter-
est in the work of the farm, thus growing up to be an excellent
farmer. He remained at home until his marriage, after which he
bought a tract of forty acres, to which lie presently added an adjoin-
ing tract of fifty-five acres, this giving him, with what he had inher-
ited, a farm of 160 acres and as his operations prospered he continued
to add to his holdings until he became the owner of a fine farm of
490 acres in Orange and Anderson township. In addition to his gen-
eral farming Mr. Hungerford gave considerable attention to the rais-
ing of live stock, with particular attention to hogs, and did well in
his operations, continuing thus actively engaged until his retirement
from the farm in 1905 and removal to Milroy, where he bought a
pleasant home and is still living. It was in 1872 that Dayton Hunger-
ford was united in marriage to Perlina Peck, who was born in this
county, daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth Peck, and to this union
were born six children, namely: Elbridge (deceased), who married
Flora Marsh ; Elizabeth, who married Harry Biggs and has one child,
Mary Margaret; Luther, who married Kate Mull and has two chil-
dren, Wesley and Helen ; Dorsey, who married Myrtle Norris and
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 1G3
has two children, Bernard and Tedric; Calvin, who married Rebecca
Webb and has two children, Glenn and Maxina, and Jesse, who mar-
ried Gertrude Kellum and has three children, Howard, Mildred and
Geraldine. Mr. and Mrs. Hungerford are members of the Christian
church and Mr. Hungerford served for some time as a member of
the board of trustees of the same. In his political views Mr. Hunger-
ford has always aligned himself with the Democratic party, but has
never taken a particularly active part in political affairs.
BENJAMIN P. JONES, a retired farmer, now residing at 1208
North Perkins street, Rushville, is a Kentuckian by birth, but has
spent the greater part of his life in Rush count}-. He was born on
January 4, 1867, in Scott county, Kentucky, son of Nelson P. and
Eliza (Powell) Jones, whose family contained six children, the four
survivors being Napoleon, Jefferson, John and Benjamin F. The
father followed farming all his life. Benjamin P. Jones attended
school in his native county and afterward in Rush county. He then
"worked out" on farms for twelve years, after which he rented land
for eight years, then finally purchased ten acres of good land in
Ripley township, on which he lived for two years, then rented it to a
tenant, moving then to Rushville township, where he rented and for
two years operated an eighty-acre farm. He then bought a farm
of forty-seven acres in the same township and conducted it for three
years, then sold to advantage and later bought the farm of 100 acres
that he yet owns, to which he subsequently added twenty-seven acres.
"While living on this farm Mr. Jones carried on general farming and
also raised about two car loads of hogs annually. Mr. Jones has
always been a man of enterprise and has often shown good judgment
in handling business propositions. In 1910 he embarked in the live-
stock business and for three years did a large amount of buying
and selling. He moved then to Rushville and embarked in the auto-
mobile business which he continued for more than six years, during
this time being agent for the Willys-Overland company. Since then
he has lived practically retired, having his farm of 127 acres satisfac-
torily leased. On September 2, 1891, Mr. Jones married Willie Whit-
ton, who was born in Scott county, Kentucky, daughter of Kennedy
and Nancy (Connley) Whitton. They have one son, Kanada, who is
a farmer in Rush county. He married Grace Clifton and has two
children, Maxine and Pauline. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of
the Plum Creek Christian Church, ne has always given his political
support to the Democratic party.
JAMES HENRY DAVIS, a substantial and well known retired
farmer of Anderson township, this county, now living at Milroy,
where he and his family are very comfortably situated, is a native son
of Rush county and has lived here all his life, doing well his part in
the general development of the community in which his family has
been represented since pioneer days. Mr. Davis was born on a farm
in Anderson township on September 19, 18o6, son of Samuel and
Mary (Henry) Davis, both of whom were born in Kentucky, members
of pioneer families, and further mention of whom is made elsewhere
164 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
in this volume of biographies relating to the old families of Rush
county, together with additional details regarding the Davis family
this county. Reared on the home farm, James Henry Davis received
his schooling in the little old log school house which served his home
district in those days, also the old Richland Academy, and from the
days of his boyhood was a valued assistant to his father in the labors
of developing the home farm. After his marriage Mr. Davis began
farming on his own account, renting his father's farm, and was thus
engaged for several years, at the end of which time he bought a
tract of eighty-four acres and on that farm established his home. By
diligent application his affairs prospered and as conditions favored
he gradually added to his holdings until he became the owner of a
fine farm of 164 acres, which he still owns, and on which he made his
home until in 1899 when he retired from the active labors of the
farm and moved to Milroy, where he is now living. Mr. Davis is a
Republican and has ever given a good eitizen's attention to local
civic affairs. In 1878 James Henry Davis was united in marriage to
Lena Barton, daughter of James A. Barton, and to this union one
child was born, a daughter, Wildie Davis, who is now (1921) a
member of the staff of teachers maintained in the schools of Murphys-
boro, Illinois. The Davises have a pleasant home at Milroy and have
ever taken an interested part in the general social activities of their
home community.
WILLIAM P. KING for almost a half a century has been help-
ing to make history in Rush county, and so well has he directed his
energies that in 1910, at. the age of fifty-four years, he was able to
retire from active life on a comfortable competence. He has led
a simple, active and methodical life, and his career has been one
in which he has won his success fairly and without resource to
unfair advantages. Mr. King was born in Richland township on
December 28, 1856, a son of Charles and Elvira (Tryon'l King,
natives of this county, and a grandson of Joseph King, who was an
early emigrant to Rush county from the state of Pennsylvania.
Charles King was reared in Rush county, and attended school in
Richland township, in which community he was married. As a
young man he took up the trade of cooper, which he followed
during the early years of his life, following which he embarked
in farming in association witli his father until he got a start as
an agriculturist. Later, in partnership with his brother, William,
he worked at farming and the cooper trade, but eventually started
farming on his own account, his original purchase being forty
acres. To this he added from time to time until he became the
owner of nearly 300 acres of valuable land, and on this property
he continued to carry on successful activities until the time of his
retirement. When he died, in April, 1897, his community lost one
of its capable agriculturists and constructive citizens. Mrs. King
died in 1895, the mother of five children: Mary Eliza. Zenas, Issalo,
Alcie and William P. William P. King received his education in the
WILLIAM P. KING
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 165
public schools of Richland and Noble townships, and upon comple-
tion of his literary training took up farming in association with his
father. Subsequently, he rented land from the elder man until the
latter's death, farming some 180 acres with a fair degree of success.
At his father's demise, Mr. King came into an inheritance of some
property, to which he has added by purchase until he now has
120 acres, all in Noble township. He made numerous improvements
on this tract, upon which he engaged actively in general farming
and stock raising until 1910, when he retired. The modern, well
furnished home and capacious barns are due to his success and
forethought, and the place generally bears the impress of the large
and generous personality of the owner. Mr. King was married on
January 28, 1880. to Mary Pond, daughter of Thomas Hitt and
Sarah A. (Parvis) Pond, and to this union three children have
been born : Willard P., who married Laura Jones and has three
children, Helen Leila, Mabel and Gladys; Lela Irene, who married
Roscoe Lefforge and has two children, Angus Loren and Lowell;
and Mary Edith, who married Lowell Norris and has two children,
Mary Helen and Paul Tillette. Mrs. King belongs to a family
which came to Indiana from New York state and settled in Frank-
lin county. Her father was a native New Yorker and her mother
was born in Dundee, Scotland. Mrs. King was born at Metamora,
Franklin county, in which county she resided until her marriage,
her father being the owner of a farm of 208 acres. There were six
children in the Pond family: Elizabeth K., Ella, Cassius C, Mrs.
King, Frank F. and Ida B. Mr. and Mrs. King are members of
the Christian church at Andersonville, and Mr. King is a Republi-
can. He is a companionable and well-posted man, observing the
world from wide i - ange, and retaining his faith in the goodness of
mankind, and in the existence of opportunity for all who earnestly
seek it.
CYRUS E. INLOW, one of Rush county's best known and most
substantial farmers and stockmen, was born in the village of Manilla,
where he still resides, and has lived there all his life. He was born
on February 18, 1863, son of Dr. John J. and Maiy A. (Mull) Inlow,
the latter of whom was a daughter of Jacob Mull, a Virginian and
one of the pioneers of Walker township, further mention of whom,
together with a comprehensive story of the Mull family in this
county, is set out elsewhere in this volume. The late Dr. John J.
Inlow, who for many years was a practicing physician at Manilla,
was a Kentuckian, born in Fleming county in the Blue Grass state.
February 13, 1826, son of Abraham and Sophia (Bell) Inlow, the
latter of whom, a native of Lewis county, Kentucky, died in 1828,
and the former of whom also was born in Fleming county, Kentucky'.
July 18, 1802, of Welsh descent, his parents having been among
the pioneers of that county. After the death of his first wife Abra-
ham Inlow married Mary Payne and by that union was the father of
six children, Jane, Samuel, Thomas, Joseph, Lucy and Octave. John
J. Inlow was but two years of age when his mother died and he was
166 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
reared in the family of his paternal grandfather, James Inlow. He
finished his local schooling at the Flemingburg Academy and when
twenty years of age, in 1846, began the study of medicine under the
preceptorship of Dr. E. 0. Bell at Flemingburg. following this by
a course in the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati and in the spring
of 1849 began the practice of medicine at Martha Mills, a village in
his home county in Kentucky. In 1851 Dr. John J. Inlow left that
place and came to Indiana, locating at Manilla in this county, where
he bought the practice of Dr. J. W. Trees and became a settled
physician of this county. Doctor Inlow had a realizing sense of land
values and in time became the owner of about 600 acres of land in
the eastern part of Shelby county and in the western part of this
county, a considerable tract of which adjoined the village of Manilla.
On June 28, 1853, about two years after coming to this county Dr.
John J. Inlow married Mary A. Mull, who was born in this county.
April 28, 1831, a member of one of the pioneer families of Walker
township, as noted above, and to this union were born nine children,
six daughters and three sons, all of whom grew to maturity save three
of the daughters, those besides the subject of this sketch being Emma
S., born in 1S54, who married Nathan F. Talbott and moved to Chat-
tanooga, Tennessee, in 1878; two infant daughters who died
unnamed; William E., 1859; Katie, 1861. who died in 1862; Lidu J.,
1865, who married Louis J. Kauffman in 1884 and moved to Colum-
bus, Indiana ; Charles, 1867, and Lucy J., 1870, of Rushville. Cyrus
E. Inlow was reared at Manilla and early began to give his attention
to his father's farming interests, giving particular attention to the
live stock business, making a specialty of trading in horses and mules,
for which at that time there was an excellent market hereabout, and
has continued thus engaged, making his home in Manilla and at the
same time operating the old home place of 250 acres in Walker town-
ship which he owns jointly with his sister, Lucy J., and he has done
very well in his operations, long having been regarded as one of the
progressive and substantial citizens of that thriving community. Mr.
Inlow also owns a tract of land near Indianapolis and has a farm in
Kansas. On March 1, 1889, Cyrus E. Inlow was united in marriage
to Alice Haehl, who also was born in this county, daughter of John
M. and Sarah (Headley) Haehl, who were the parents of six children,
three of whom survive, those besides Mrs. Inlow being Fred Haehl
and her sister Corda. Mr. and Mrs. Inlow have four children, three
sons and a daughter, William D., Charles F., Herbert and Alaelie.
the latter of whom married Alonzo Sheedy. a farmer of the Manilla
neighborhood, and has one child, a son, William. All three of the
Inlow brothers have followed in the footsteps of their grandfather.
Dr. John J. Inlow, in their inclination toward the medical profes-
sion and the elder of the brothers. Dr. William D. Inlow, is now con-
nected with the world-famed hospital of the Mayo brothers at Roches-
ter, Minnesota, where he has been located for the past two years. He
was graduated from the University of Chicago and afterward was
accorded his medical degree by Rush Medical College and was serving
as an interne in the Cook County Hospital at Chicago when American
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 167
participation in the World war was begun in 1917. He enlisted his
services in behalf of the medical corps of the United States army and
was commissioned a lieutenant in that branch of the service, serving
until mustered out some time after the signing of the armistice, after
which he entered upon his present connection in the great Mayo
hospital. Dr. William D. Inlow has done considerable research work
for the government, has written widely for medical journals and has
a United States license, having won second honors in the examination
which secured him this distinction, the only one who passed a higher
grade in that examination having been a professor of medicine. The
second son, Charles F. Inlow, served in the medical department of
the United States navy during the war and is a member of the 1921
class at Rush Medical College, Chicago. He also was graduated
from the Kirksville (Missouri) Osteopathic school in 1915. The
third son, Herbert, who was graduated from the University of Chi-
cago, won his "letter" for athletics while attending that institution
and is now attending Rush Medical College, a member of the class
of 1922. He married on September 8, 1920, Opal Martyn, one of the
teachers in the school at Manilla.
WILLIAM C. CULBERTSON, a retired farmer of this county,
now living at Rushville, was born in Noble township on December 10,
1874, the son of William and Victoria (Armstrong) Culbertson, both
natives of that township. The father of William Culbertson, also
named William, was one of the earliest pioneers of Rush county,
coming here from Kentucky in the first years of its organization,
and entering land in Noble township. Here he built a log cabin and
set about clearing his land for suitable cultivation, and here his son
William grew to manhood taking up farming for himself when he
had reached man's estate. At one time he was the owner of 140 acres
of fine land, on which he did a general farming business, continuing
actively engaged until a few years before his death. He and his
wife were the parents of seven children, two of whom are still living in
Rush county, William C. having a brother Charles, who lives at
Sexton. William C. Culbertson was educated in the public schools
of Noble and Rushville townships and until he was eighteen years
of age worked on the home farm in conjunction with his father. He
then began working out as a farm hand, and was variously employed
for the succeeding eight years, at the end of which time he married
and started farming on a place of 132 acres in Rushville township
which had been inherited by his wife. He conducted general farming
operations, in which he was eminently successful, until the time of his
retirement. He then removed to Rushville, where he now resides
and has since sold the farm. Mr. Culbertson married Martha Colvill,
a daughter of John and Nancy Colvill, who came from Kentucky
when Martha was an infant, locating on a farm in Rushville township
where they spent the rest of their lives. One child, who died in
infancy, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson and their loss has
been a great sorrow to them both. Mrs. Culbertson is a devout com-
municant of the Christian church, and never overlooks an opportu-
168 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
nity of doing good. Mr. Culbertson is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and in his political affiliations is counted
among the adherents of the Republican party.
ALONZO P. ELLISON, a well-known farmer and stockraiser
residing in Walker township, was born in Rushville township, this
county, February 18, 1859, a son of William J. and Sarah J. (Duke)
Ellison. Alonzo P. Ellison attended the Miller school in Rushville
township and school in district No. 6, Walker township, after which
he worked with his father on the home farm until his marriage.
After starting out for himself Mr. Ellison rented a farm of 160
acres in Walker township, on which he lived for eight years, when
he bought the farm on which he has ever since resided. Mr. Ellison
has 160 acres of valuable land, on which he has done a large amount
of ditching and has otherwise improved it, since coming here having
erected his comfortable farmhouse and fine barn. In addition to crop
raising he gives a large amount of attention to cattle and hogs, his
annual increase being from 10 to 15 head of cattle and 125 head of
hogs. On January 17, 1889, Mr. Ellison married Belle Johnson, who
was born in Rush county, daughter of Casper and Martha (Sells)
Johnson. Mrs. Ellison died on January 14, 1900, leaving three
children, Frank, who died on June 5, 1914; Charles and Lucille. On
September 16, 1903, Mr. Ellison married Adenia Lee, who was born in
Tipton county, Indiana, daughter of Harlen and Catherine (Nelson)
Lee, farming people there, who had a family of seven children, four of
whom are living, those besides Mrs. Ellison being Arthur, Florence
and Royal. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have three children ; Floyd, Beulah
and Allen. The family belongs to the Christian church at Homer, of
which Mr. Ellison is a trustee. Although never aspiring to political
office, Mr. Ellison has always been an active citizen in his community
and from early manhood has cast his vote with the Republican party.
MRS. ALICE A. BROOKS, widow of the late Melvin Brooks,
of Rushville, has been a resident of this county since the days of
her girlhood and has thus been a witness to the many changes
that have taken place in this community since the days of the Civil
war, and has many interesting stories to tell of the gradually
changing conditions which have marked the extraordinary develop-
ment noted during this period. Her late husband was a veteran
of the Civil war and she had three brothers engaged in the service
of the Union during that period of national stress, hence the im-
pressions created by the war were to her not only very vivid but
have proved lasting. Mrs. Brooks was born in Washington county,
Ohio, and was but a child when her parents, Horatio and Nancy
Culver, came to Indiana with their family and located in Rush
county. Here she received her schooling and here she married
Melvin Brooks, who had been a soldier in the Union army during
the Civil war. Melvin Brooks was born in Nicholas county, Ken-
tucky, and was but five years of age when he came to Rush county
with his parents, the family settling in Noble township. Here he
MELVIX BROOKS
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 169
received his schooling and as a young man became engaged in
farming on the home place. When the Civil war broke out he
enlisted his services in behalf of the Union cause and weut to the
front as a member of G Company, Fifty-second regiment, Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served for nearly four
years. Upon the completion of this service Mr. Brooks returned
home and resumed farming on the home place in Noble township.
Following his marriage to Alice A. Culver some time later he
purchased a tract of 200 acres in Noble township and there estab-
lished his home. He continued to operate the farm until his retire-
ment in 1910 and removal to Rushville, where he spent the remain-
der of his life, his death occurring there on November 21, 1917.
Mr. Brooks had two brothers, Thomas and William Brooks, who
also were veterans of the Civil war. Mrs. Brooks had three
brothers, George M., Oscar and Wesley, who also were soldiers in
the Union army. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Brooks has
continued to make her home at Rushville, residing at 225 West
First street, where she is very pleasantly and very comfortably
situated. To Melvin and Alice A. (Culver) Brooks were born
seven children, Fannie, Forest, Charles, Sadie, Myrtle, Vernon and
Morton, all of whom are residents of this county with the exception
of Morton Brooks, who is a resident of Indianapolis. Mrs. Brooks
is a member of the Christian church and has ever taken an inter-
ested part in church work as well as in the general social activities
of the community in which she has so long resided.
GREELEY P. MAUZY, a retired farmer now residing at Rush-
ville, was born in Madison county, Indiana, September 10, 1861, a
son of Peter and Jane (Wilson) Mauzy, the latter of whom was born
in Rush county. His father was born in Kentucky and was five years
old when he accompanied his parents to Indiana, the family locating
in Rush county. In young manhood he moved from this county to
Madison county, Indiana, where he carried on farming until fifty
years old, when he returned to Rush county and bought a tract of
400 acres in Jackson township, which he farmed until within fifteen
years of his death, when he moved to Rushville where he passed the
rest of his life. He and his wife had a family of five children, Mollie,
Sophia, Alma, Maggie and Greeley. After his schooldays were over,
Greeley P. Mauzy began to help his father on the farm, the latter
encouraging him by giving him a part interest in the products. He
was twenty-one years old when he bought eighty acres of the farm,
at the same time renting the rest of the land, and as his industry
and good management proved the undertaking profitable, his father
consented to continue to rent him the farm, up to his own death. He
then rented the entire 320 acres from the other heirs and now is the
owner of the old homestead. He demonstrated unusual business
ability in carrying on all his agricultural industries, for many years
being one of the leading stockmen of Rush county, paying particular
attention to Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, turning off
170 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
from 250 to 300 head of hogs annually. Since retiring from the farm
Mr. Mauzy has occupied his comfortable residence at 1032 North Main
street, Rushville. his son Chase having charge of the farm in Jackson
township. On March 8, 1881, Mr. Mauzy married Alice Newhouse,
who died on October 13, 1905. She was born in Rush county, a
daughter of Alfred and Eliza (Tenner) Newhouse. On June 8,
1911, Mr. Mauzy married Alma Bishop, who was born in Union
township, this county, daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Cline)
Bishop. But two of Mr. Mauzy 's children are living: Chase and
Grace. Chase Mauzy is his father's dependable farmer in Jackson
township. lie married Florence Davis and has two children, Emily
and Ruth. Grace Mauzy married Harry McManus, a farmer in
Jackson township, and has two children. Thomas and Alice. Mr.
Mauzy has been a deacon in the Christian church at Rushville many
years and is a member of Tvy Lodge, No. 57, Knights of Pythias. He
votes the Republican ticket.
CHARLES S. HOUGLAND, M. D., a well known physician at
Milroy, this county, who served with the rank of captain in the army
medical corps during the late "World war, has been a resident of Rush
county for about twenty-five years and in that time has won a wide
acquaintance throughout this and adjoining counties. The Doctor is
a Missourian by birth, born in Scotland county, Missouri, June 11,
1871, son of John C. and Sarah E. Hougland. Upon completing the
high school course in the schools of Mexico, Mo., in 1888 he went
to Kansas City and for more than two years was there engaged in
newspaper work as a reporter. In the meantime he had been giving
his serious attention to preparatory studies in medicine and had
determined to devote his life to the practice of the medical pro-
fession. Entering the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St.
Louis he took a further course there and then entered the Marion
Sims Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1S92. Upon
attaining his degree Dr. Hougland was appointed an interne in the
government hospital at Memphis and after more than two years of
intensive practical experience in that institution came to Indiana and
opened an office for the practice of his profession at Rockport. Two
years later he moved to Milroy and has ever since been engaged in
practice there, with the exception of the period during which he was
attached to the army medical corps during the time of America's
participation in the World war. He entered the army on August
18, 1918, and was stationed at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, with the
rank of captain, in charge of convalescent camp No. 15, and con-
tinued in service until honorably mustered out on February 25, 1919,
though still retained in the medical reserve corps. In addition to the
college experience acquired by Dr. Hougland and which has been
noted above, he also some years ago took a post-graduate course in
the Post-Graduate School of Medicine in New York City. The
Doctor is a member of the Union District Medical Society, of which lie
served for six years as secretary and for one year as president ; is a
member of the Indiana State Medical Society and served for six years
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 171
as counsellor for the same from this district, and is a member of the
Rush County Medical Society, in the affairs and deliberations of all
of -which professional organizations he ever has taken a warm and
active interest. For five years lie served as a lecturer on gastro-
intestinal diseases in the medical school of Indiana University. In
1896 Dr. Charles S. Hougland was united in marriage to Amelia
Catherine Jacobs and to this union two children have been born,
William Gordon and Yuma Caroline. Dr. and Mrs. Hougland have
a pleasant home at Milroy and have ever taken an interested part
in the general social activities of their home community. The Doctor
is a member of the local lodges of the Free and Accepted Masons and
of the Knights of Pythias and gives proper attention to the affairs of
these popular fraternal organizations.
PHIL WILK, the present auditor of Rush county, has attained to
his substantial standing in the community by long years of indefatig-
able effort throughout his interesting and varied career. He was
born on January 27, 1859, in Scott county, Indiana, the son of
Philip and Mary (Pfiermau) Wilk, both natives of Germany who
came to America when they were still single, the father landing in
New Orleans and the mother in New York. Philip Wilk was a har-
ness-maker, a trade which he had learned in Germany, and for a time
after his arrival in this country worked at this business in New
Orleans, later removing to Cincinnati where he was married and
continued in the harness industry. He then owned a hotel in Cincin-
nati for a time, but sold out his interests there to move to Scott
county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming and harness making
until about 1866, when he moved to Lexington, Indiana, where he
owned and operated the Lexington Hotel. After a number of years
he sold out the hotel and bought another in Vienna, but soon went
back to farming, an occupation which received his attention until
the time of his death, prior to which he had acquired 120 acres of
land. When he came to America his means were small, and he had
to depend entirely upon his own resourcefulness as both of his par-
ents had died before his departure for this country. But by frugality
and application to business, his ascent of the ladder of success was
sure and firm. To him and his wife were born seven children of
whom five are living, George, Henry, Jesse, Phil and Mary. Phil
Wilk received his education in the schools of his native county, and
then learned telegraphy. At the age of seventeen he left Scott county
and for three years thereafter filled various positions as telegrapher.
He then took a position as bookkeeper for a contracting firm, a
business which engaged his efforts for many years. He helped build
the railroad from North Vernon to Rushville, now part of the Big
Four system, and the railroad from Greensburg to Columbus known
as the C, H. & G., also now a part of the Big Four. He next became
bookkeeper for the contracting firm which built the Northern Indiana
hospital for the insane at Logansport, and then went south into
Tennessee with a railroad construction company by which he was
172 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
employed as bookkeeper and paymaster. In 18S8. he took up con-
tracting for himself, and three years later came to Rushville as a
member of the contracting firm of P. H. McCormack & Co., to build
the court house. After the completion of this edifice he went into
railroad construction work, principally for the traction lines, and
continued this until 1917 when he turned to farming. He now owns
a valuable and well-improved farm of 120 acres in Rushville township,
this county, and takes pride in being included among the up-to-date
agriculturists of this locality. In 1889, Mr. Wilk was married to
Cora Smith, a daughter of Ben L. Smith, of Rushville, for years one
of the leaders at the local bar, and of whom more extended reference
is made in the sketch of his son, Donald L. Smith, elsewhere in this
volume. Mr. and Mrs. Wilk are the parents of two daughters, Edith
and Erema, both of whom are graduates of Indiana University. Edith
Wilk married Wendel Wilkie and has one child, Philip, and Erema
Wilk married Miller Hamilton, and has one son, James. In his
religious beliefs, Mr. Wilk adheres to the tenets of the Presbyterian
faith, and fraternally is a member of the Knights of Pythias in the
local lodge of which he has been ' ' through the chairs. ' ' He has taken
an active interest in all political matters since his residence in Rush
county, and was rewarded by the citizens thereof in his election on
November 2, 1920, to the office of county auditor. He took office the
first of the year (1921) and it is confidently believed by his many
friends that he will make an exceptionally able and pleasing officer.
WILLIAM T. MOORE, former county commissioner and one
time trustee of Richland township, whose life history is herewith
briefly outlined, has lived to good purpose and achieved a large
degree of success. By a straightforward and commendable course
he has made his way to a respectable position in the agricultural
world and has won the hearty admiration of the people of his
community. Mr. Moore was born in Rushville township, this
county, on July 18, 1864, and is the son of Andrew and Polly (Nick)
Moore, who were natives of Rockbridge county, Virginia, where
they were reared and married. In 1861 they came to Indiana, locat-
ing in Noble township, this county, where Andrew Moore became
employed by the day, later being similarly employed for a couple of
years in Rushville township. He then began to cultivate rented
land here, and so continued until 1890, when he moved to Posey
township and farmed there until 1919, when he retired from active
work and is now eighty-one years of age. William T. Moore
received his education in the common schools of Rushville town-
ship. Thereafter he followed agriculture as a vocation, working
on his father's land until his marriage, when he began farming
on his own account. Later he and his father rented 400 acres of
land in Posey township, which he operated for six years. He then
moved to Richland township and during the following one and a
half years he operated 200 acres of rented land in Richland town-
ship. He then moved to Decatur county, Indiana, where he rented
and operated 400 acres of land about six years. Mr. Moore then
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 173
bought 300 acres of land where he is now living in Richland town-
ship, and he has operated this land and managed his affairs so
well that he has increased his land holdings to 671 acres, lying in
Rush and Franklin counties, though he is confining his personal
efforts to the 300 acres at his home. He carries on general farming
and also gives some attention to live stock, feeding annually from
300 to 400 hogs and thirty head of cattle. Mr. Moore was married
to Alma V. Watson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Watson,
and ten children have blessed their union. Nine of them survive,
namely: Earl, who married Iva Henderson and they have five
children, Lowell, Hubert, Lois, Maurice and Gleda; Edward mar-
ried Hazel Hebb and they have one child, William; Harold married
Hazel Gwinnup and they have two children, Seth and Mary;
Charles married Hazel Roach and they have two children, Maxine
and Marium ; Mary, deceased ; Andrew, Luella, W. Lon, Thelma
and Howard. Mr. Moore gives his support to the Democratic
party and has served the public as trustee of his home township and
for one term as a member of the board of county commissioners
from his district. He is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has
passed through the official chairs, and the Benevolent and Protec-
tive Order of Elks.
OMER P. MULL, a well-known farmer and stockraiser of Walker
township, this county, was born in that township on August 24, 1853,
a son of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Mull, both of whom were
born in Rush county and spent their lives here. They had a family
of eight children, seven of whom are living, Madaline, Clarissa, Alice,
Nella. Omer P., Jacob A. and Earl. William Mull was one of the
substantial farmers of Rush comity and at the time of his death
owned 1,040 acres of land situated in Walker and Rushville townships.
Omer P. Mull and his brothers and sisters attended the Alexander
school in Walker township as did many of Mr. Mull's neighbors still
living in this section, but he also had high school advantages at
Rushville. He then worked on the home farm for his father until he
was twenty-five years old, when his father recognized the value of
his services by purchasing and bestowing on Mr. Mull the farm on
which he has lived ever since. He has 113 well improved acres in
his place and carries on general farming and raises cattle and hogs,
being able to ship about a carload of each annually. On August 1,
1878, Mr. Mull married Ada M. Lines, who was born in Noble town-
ship, this county, daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth (McWain) Lines,
both natives of Rush county and farming people, Mr. Lines also being
a carpenter. Mrs. Mull has two sisters and two brothers, Sarah E.,
LeRoy, Mollie and Charles E. Mr. and Mrs. Mull have had nine
children : Eulalia B., who is teaching in the Shelbyville schools; Hallie.
who married William Webster, a farmer of Rush county, and has two
children, Harry and Mull; Artie A., now living at Rushville, who
married Ollie Edwards and has one son, James; Charles E., who died
at the age of thirty years; Max, an enterprising business man of
174 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Dayton, Ohio, manager of a chain of restaurants, who married Eva
Allen ; Donald L., a merchant at Homer, who married Myra Hester,
who died on June 10, 1917, leaving three children, Marjorie, Frederick
and Martha; Noble, who is a draftsman for the Dayton Steel & Con-
struction Company, Dayton, Ohio ; J. Blount, who is completing a
course in chemistry at Purdue University ; and Helen, who is now
attending the Shelbyville high school. Mr. Mull and his family belong
to the Christian church at Homer. He is a Republican in his political
convictions.
W. T. LAMPTON, M. D., one of the best known physicians in
Rush county, who for more than a quarter of a century has been
practicing his profession at Milroy and who is widely known through-
out that whole section, was born in Breckinridge county, Kentucky,
August 27, 1855, son of the Rev. Henry T. and Mary Catherine
(Browne) Lampton, both of whom also were born in Kentucky. The
Rev. Henry T. Lampton, who was a Baptist minister, was a son of
Thomas C. and Nancy (Vershee) Lampton, who had come to this
country from Durham, England, and had settled in Kentucky. In
1871 the Rev. Henry T. Lampton came to Indiana with his family
and located at Roekport, where his last days were spent. He and his
wife were the parents of three children, Doctor Lampton having two
sisters, Catherine and Nancy. Reared in Kentucky, Dr. W. T. Lamp-
ton was early prepared for the exacting profession to which he had
devoted his life. After four years at Transylvania University he
attended the medical college of the University of Kentucky for three
years and in 1879 Avas granted his Doctor of Medicine degree. For
three years after attaining his degree the Doctor practiced his pro-
fession at Olney, Illinois, and then entered the medical college of
Bellevue Hospital at New York, where he took three years of intensive,
practical post-graduate work and in 1886 was awarded an honorable
supplemental degree. Thus admirably equipped for the further prac-
tice of his profession the Doctor located at Kansas City, Missouri,
and remained there until in 1888 when he went to Chicago and was
for several years engaged in practice in that city. In 1895 the
Doctor returned to Indiana and opened an office at Milroy, where
he ever since has been engaged in practice and where he has long
been recognized as one of the substantial and influential factors in
the general life of that community. In 1900 Dr. W. T. Lampton was
united in marriage to Ethel Tompkins, daughter of Ira and Arkansas
Tompkins, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter,
Ellendore. Dr. and Mrs. Lampton are members of the United Pres-
byterian church at Milroy and have ever taken an interested part in
the general good works of the church, the Doctor having for some
time been serving as a member of the board of trustees of the church.
In his political views the Doctor is a Demorat and has taken a gener-
ally active interest in the affairs of that party in this county and in
local civic affairs generally. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the
local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Milroy and
takes a proper interest in the activities of that popular fraternal
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 175
organization. The Doctor also is a member of the American Medical
Association, the Indiana State Medical Association and the Rush
County Medical Society and in the affairs of these several professional
organizations takes a warm interest.
DAVID B. BARNARD. The thriving and hospitable village of
Manilla includes among its residents many who have stepped aside
from the paths of labor to allow to pass the younger generation with
their high hopes and ambitions. Among these retired residents none
is more highly esteemed than David E. Barnard, a highly respected
octogenarian, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pur-
suits in Posey township, this county. Mr. Barnard was born in
Wayne county, Indiana, November 2, 1840, a son of Barzillai G. and
Rachael (Robert) Barnard, the former a native of North Carolina
and the latter of Virginia. The parents were married in Fayette
county, Indiana, and the father followed farming throughout his
life, for the most part in Rush county, where he owned about 300
acres of land. There were eleven children in the family, of whom five
are living, Ambrose, Herman J., Mary E., Helen G. and David E.
David E. Barnard received his education in the public schools of
Posey township, this county, to which community he had taken by
his parents when six years of age. He began working on his father's
farm, but at this point the peaceful routine of his life was disturbed
by the advent of the Civil war, and on July 21, 1862, he enlisted for
service in the Union army, and was mustered into the service on
August 16, 1862, as a member of Company C, Sixteenth regiment,
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served nearly
three years, being mustered out on July 20, 1865. During his service
in the army Mr. Barnard showed himself a valiant and faithful
soldier and rose in rank, eventually receiving an honorary commission
as first lieutenant from Governor Morton. After leaving the army,
Mr. Barnard worked at several different occupations, principally
farming, until his marriage in 1869, at which time he became the
proprietor of a country store in Posey township, which he conducted
for three years. He then turned his attention again to farming, which
he followed with success in Posey township until 1920, when he
retired from active pursuits and took up his residence at Manilla.
At this time he and his wife are the owners of 122 acres of valuable
land in Posey and Walker townships. Mr. Barnard was married on
October 28, 1869, to Jennie Swain, who was born in Walker township,
this county, daughter of Prior and Louisa (Coffin) Swain, natives of
North Carolina, who followed agricultural pursuits in Walker town-
ship for many years. Of their two children, Mrs. Barnard survives.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnard have had four children, of whom three are
living, Omar P., a traveling salesman living at Charlottesville,
Indiana, who married Lulu Macy and lias four children, David I.,
Glenn R., Kenneth S. and Perry L. ; Marshall S., a telegraph operator
for the Pennsylvania railroad at Franklin, Indiana, who married
Pearl Taylor and has one child, Dorothy A. ; and Dr. Roy F. Barnard,
a dental practitioner of Shelbyville, Indiana, who married Minnie
176 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Schlissmann and has two children, J. Paul and Elizabeth F. Mr. and
Mrs. Barnard are members of the Little Blue River Friends Church.
He is a Republican in his political sentiment and a strong supporter
of the principles of his party.
WILLIAM A. HOWELL, one of Anderson township's sub-
stantial farmers and landowners furnishes in his life an excellent
example to the younger generation of the meaning of surmounting
difficulties along the highway of life. Left a soldier's orphan when
but a boy, Mr. Howell faced an apparent handicap to progress, for
he was compelled by the stern necessities of the case to go to work
at an age when most boys are enjoying the provisions of tender
care and comfort ; but he was possessed of youthful strength, a
courage to face obstacles and a fine will to do and he kept going
ahead until in due course he became the owner of an excellent farm
and has long been regarded as one of the substantial citizens of
his community. Mr. Howell was born on a farm in Jennings
county, Indiana, April 10, 1853, son of Alpheus and Eliza (Byrom)
Howell, both natives of Ohio. Alpheus Howell came into Indiana
from Ohio when a young man and began working on a farm in
Jennings county. There he was married, his wife also having come
to this state from Ohio, and was living there when the Civil war
broke out. Despite the fact that he had eight small children, a
fact which ordinarily would be regarded as a sufficient "hostage
to fortune" to require every precaution against undue chance, his
patriotic fervor impelled him to enlist his services in behalf of the
Union cause and he went to the front a soldier in I Company of
the Fifty-second regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was
serving with that gallant command when he died in 1864 from a
wound received in battle. His widow did not long survive him,
her death occurring in April, 1865. This patriotic couple had eight
children, as noted above, and seven of these are still living, those
besides the subject of this sketch being Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth,
Chauncey, Sarah and Lydia. William A. Howell was but eleven
years of age when his patriotic father met a gallant soldier's death
and it was but a few months later that he was doubly bereft by the
death of his mother. The children of this orphaned family thus
were left without their natural protectors and providers and thus
when he was but a mere lad William A. Howell was compelled to
start as a farm hand, doing a man's work before he had a man's
strength to do the same, but his pluck and courage kept him going
and he got along, meantime picking up such schooling along the
way as the limited school terms to which he had access permitted.
He married in Jennings county and then rented a farm there,
remaining in that county until about 1S90 when he came up into
Rush county with his family and became engaged here as a farm
hand and was for nineteen years thus engaged. In the meantime
he was saving something every year and in 1900 bought a little
tract of twenty-one acres, and gradually added to that until four
WILLIAM A. HOWELL AND WIFE
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 177
years later when he had a tract of sixty acres, onto which he
moved and thus began farming on a place of his own. There he
remained until in September, 1907, when he moved to the place he
now owns, an excellent farm of 140 acres, and there resided until
he moved to Milroy in 1916, he and his family being very comfor-
tably situated. In addition to his general farming Mr. Howell gives
considerable attention to the raising of live stock, has a well
equipped farm plant, and is doing well in his operations. It was
in 1875 that William A. Howell was united in marriage to Emma
Story, who also was born in Jennings county, daughter of Thomas
and Josephine Story, and to this union one child has been born, a
son, William Hollis Howell, who married Theresa Rogers and has
two children, Edwin and Neva. Mr. and Mrs. Howell are members
of the Christian church and take a proper part in church work
as well as in the general good works of their neighborhood. Mr.
Howell is a Republican but has never taken a particularly active
part in political affairs, although always interested in movements
having to do with better local government and the promotion of
the community welfare along all lines.
WILLIAM L. HERKLESS. Since its establishment in Rush
county at an early period in this community's history the Herkless
family has sustained unfailingly the most intelligent and practical
interests of the locality. In the third generation of this family to
contribute to the development of the county is found William L.
Herkless, the owner and operator of a valuable tract of land in
Ripley township, where he is adjudged by his fellow-citizens a most
progressive agriculturist. Mr. Herkless was born on April 17, 1881,
in Ripley township, a son of Milton and Eunice (Winslow) Herkless.
Milton Herkless was also born in Ripley township, and after acquiring
his education at the Earnest schoolhouse began farming the home
place. At the death of his father, at a comparatively early age, he
assumed the management of the property, a tract of 160 acres which
he conducted for his mother until the latter 's demise. He was a man
of high standing in his community, upright in business, sound in
citizenship and faithful in his friendships, and had the esteem and
respect of all. The only child of his parents, William L. Herkless was
given good educational advantages in his youth, first attending the
public schools of Carthage and being later given an agricultural
course at Purdue University. With this preparation, he returned to
the home farm, and not long thereafter was given its management.
In conducting the operations on this 160-acre tract he secured val-
uable training and experience, and in 1906, after his marriage, pur-
chased eighty acres of land in partnership with his father, with whom
he continued to farm for four years. In 1910 Mr. Herkless bought
seventy-four acres in Ripley township, which he operates in con-
junction with the eighty acres before mentioned. He is a capable
general farmer, and has also met with success in his activities as a
stock raiser. At this time he is feeding out about four carloads each
year and is constantly extending the scope of his activities. His
12
178 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
property is conducted along modern lines and his modern buildings
and equipment reflect the progressive ideas of the owner. On June
3, 1903, Mr. Herkless married Gertrude B. Gilson, who was born in
Center township, this county, daughter of Robert and Ellen
(Graham) Gilson, farming people of that township. To Mr. and
Mrs. Herkless there has been born one daughter, Mildred, who is
attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Herkless are members of the Chris-
tian church, which they attend at Carthage. In politics he supports
the Democratic party.
JACOB D. TODD, a native son and honored citizen of Rush
county, now living in retirement at his comfortable home in Center
township, and who as an agriculturist ranked among the best in his
community, was born in the township now honored by his citizenship,
on May 21, 1854, and is the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (David)
Todd, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Bourbon
county, Kentucky. Andrew Todd came down the Ohio river from
Pennsylvania as far as Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where he remained
for a time and then, in 1839, he came on to Rush county. During the
ensuing ten years he was employed by the day as a farm hand, but he
then engaged in farming on his own account, buying acres eighty of
land in Center township, to which he later added thirty-seven acres,
making his holdings here 117 acres, and on this farm he made his
home up to the time of his death, which occurred on April 18, 1890.
His wife had died on November 18, 1887. Of the seven children who
blessed their union three are now living, Joseph W., Leah and Jacob
D. Jacob D. Todd received his educational training in the Ball
school, in Center township, and remained on the home farm, assisting
his father in its operation up to the time of his marriage, in 1886, when
he began farming for himself on an eighty-acre farm which he and
his brother owned. They also rented the homestead of 117 acres and
farmed it. For about ten years after his marriage the subject and
his wife lived with his parents, but at the end of that time they
moved to the place where they now reside, the homestead comprising
seventy-nine acres of fine land. Mr. Todd has done a great deal
of ditching on this farm and has made many other valuable improve-
ments on it, including some important improvements on the buildings.
For a number of years he successfully operated this farm, but is now
retired and rents the fields, retaining for his own use the home, where
he is now quietly enjoying the fruits of his former years of effort.
Mr. Todd has been twice married, first, on September 9, 1886, to
Mary E. Sample, who was born and reared in Hancock county,
Indiana, the daughter of Ge*rge and Susan (Williams) Sample, and
to this union was born a daughter, Vessie P. The latter became the
wife of Ernest Cook, of Columbus, Indiana and they have two
children living, Garnet and Naomi. Mrs. Mary E. Todd died on
January 29, 1891, and on April 19, 1893, Mr. Todd was married to
Mrs. Eliza J. (Reeves) Jones, who was born and reared in Center
township, Rush county, the daughter of Jesse and Sallie (Johnson)
Reeves, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Thev had four children.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 179
of whom two are living, Mrs. Todd and her brother Clinton. By a;
former marriage Mrs. Todd is the mother of a daughter, Addie M3.j
who is the wife of Richard E. Sample, who is engaged in the furniture
business at Knightstown, Indiana. Politically, Mr. Todd is a stanch
supporter of the Democratic party and has served for six years as a
member of the advisory board of Center township. He is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church at Knightstown. He has ever
taken a deep interest in the welfare of the community and is held in
high regard.
AL A. REEVES, who has long been regarded as one of the most
progressive agriculturists and public spirited citizens of Center town-
ship, in which he has spent practically his entire life, was born in that
township, on May 2, 1872, and is the son of 0. M. and Lucinda
( Talbert ) Reeves, both of whom were also natives of Center township.
Mr. Reeves followed farming throughout his active life and was the
owner of sixty acres of land in Center township. To him and his
wife were born three children, all of whom are living, namely :
Arthur, Munson and Al A. The subject of this review is indebted to
the public schools of Center township for his educational training, he
having attended the Demick school. From the time he was old enough
he devoted himself to the work of the home farm, where he remained
until his marriage, in 1894, when he began farming on his own
account, renting land for that purpose for about twelve years. Mrs.
Reeves then inherited the farm where they now live and they at bnce
moved onto it. The farm consists of eighty-three acres of fine tillable
soil and here Mr. Reeves carries on a general line of farming. He
also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, feeding about
125 hogs each year. He has made many improvements on )the place,
the general appearance of which indicates him to be a man of taste
and good judgment. On October 17, 1894, Mr. Reeves was married to
Nora Gilson, a native of Center township and the daughter of Thomas
and Sarah (Wells) Gilson, both of whom were born and reared in
Rush county. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have a son, Lowell M., born on
April 21. 1908. Politically, Mr. Reeves gives his support to the Demo-
cratic party. He is deeply interested in public events and supports
every movement for the advancement of the general welfare.
FLOYD M. WILLIAMS, who by a life of persistent and well
applied energy and commendable industry along honorable lines has
earned the right to specific mention in the history of his county, was
born in Henry county, Indiana, on September 5, 1884, and is the son
of Charles E. and Charlotte (Watts) Williams. The mother was
born in England, but at the age of two and a half years she was
brought to the United States by her parents, and she received her
education at Oberlin, Ohio. Charles E. Williams was born in Rush
county and was reared and educated in Knightstown. He has fol-
lowed farming here during the major portion of his life, mostly in
Center township, where he owns 150 acres of land, and he also
owns 153 acres of land in Henry county. Of the three children born
to him and his wife two are now living, Carroll and Floyd. Floyd
160 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
M. Williams received his educational training in the public schools of
Knightstown and after completing his studies he engaged in the busi-
ness of a florist at the latter city for about one and a 'half years. He
was also employed at several other occupations prior to his marriage,
but after that event he engaged in farming in Ripley township, Rush
county, where he rented eighty-three acres of land. After operating
that land for five years, Mr. "Williams moved to the place where he
now lives, comprising 150 acres, which he rents from his father. He
carries on general farming operations, in which he has met with pro-
nounced success, and he also has gained a wide reputation as a success-
ful breeder of thoroughbred big-type Poland China hogs, raising and
selling them for breeding purposes. He raises about 150 hogs a year
and usually conducts semi-annual sales of his animals. He keeps his
place in good shape and is considered a good farmer. On December
6, 1906, Mr. Williams was married to Pearl Hotchkiss, who was born
in Switzerland county, Indiana, the daughter of George K. and Belle
(Jolly) Hotchkiss, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter
of New Marion, Ind. Mr. Hotchkiss, who was a stonemason by trade,
enjoyed the respect and esteem of the entire community in which he
lived. He was the father of seven children, of whom six are living,
namely: Gay, Julia, Audrey, Leona, Thomas, Harvey (who died at
the age of twenty-five years) and Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are
the parents of two children, Hollis and Margaret, both of whom are
attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are earnest members of the
Methodist Episcopal church at Knightstown. Politically, Mr. Will-
iams is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, while he also
belongs to Lodge No. 99, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
Lodge No. 236, Knights of Pythias, both at Knightstown.
W. H. FRY, one of the well known and substantial farmers
and landowners of Union township, was born on the place on which
he is now living, on rural mail route No. 1 out of Falmouth, and
has lived there all his life, a period of more than three score years.
He was born on October 9, 1857, son of Henry and Eliza Jane
(Bishop) Fry, who were for years influential residents of Union
township. Henry Fry was a Pennsylvanian by birth, born in Wash-
ington county in the old Keystone state, and was but eight years of
age when he came to Indiana with his parents. Elijah and Sarah
Fry, the family locating in Union township, this county. There
Henry Fry grew to manhood and after his marriage to Eliza Jane
Bishop, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, and whose parents
had located in this county during the days of her girlhood, estab-
lished his home in that township, becoming the owner of a farm of
ninety acres on which he spent the remainder of his life. He and
his wife were the parents of five children, of whom but two are
now living, W. II. Fry and his brother Elijah. Reared on the home
farm in Union township, W. H. Fry completed his schooling in the
Fairview Academy and from the days of his boyhood was a valued
assistant to his father in the labors of the home farm. After his
marriage he continued on the home place, giving his earnest
W. II. FRY AND WIFE
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 181
endeavor to the development of the farm and after his father's
death took over the place and has continued to reside there, he and
his family being very comfortably situated. In 1884 W. H. Fry
was united in marriage to Jennie Bilby, who was reared in Fayette
county, and to this union four children have been born, namely:
Amy, who married Carl Ging and has two children, Norman C.
and Marjorie Ellouise; Minnie, wife of A. W. Werking; Dottie,
who married Ray White and has two children, Ella Jane and Wilma
May, and Ozetta, wife of Irving "Walker. The Frys are members
of the Plum Creek Christian church and Mr. Fry is a clerk of the
official board of the same. In their political affiliations they are
Democrats. Mrs. Fry was born in Polk county, Iowa, daughter of
Jasper and Margaret (Hazzard) Bilby, the latter of whom was
born in Auglaize county, Ohio. Jasper Bilby was born in Pennsyl-
vania and was but a boy when he came to Indiana with his parents,
the family locating in Fayette county, where he grew to man-
hood and was married. Some time after his marriage he moved to
Iowa and for a time resided in Polk county, that state, but later
returned to Indiana and resumed his vocation of farming in Fay-
ette county and was thus engaged there the rest of his life. He
and his wife were the parents of fourteen children, of whom six are
still living, Mrs. Fry having three brothers, Jasper, Allen and Dr.
F. N. Bilby, and two sisters, Ola and Stella.
GEORGE T. KEISLING, a well-known farmer of Richland
township and one of Rush county's representative citizens, was
born on his father's farm in Richland township, on February 15,
1883, the son of L. W. and Lillie (Gordon) Keisling, the former a
native of Rush county and the latter born in Franklin county,
Indiana. L. W. Keisling spent practically his entire life in Rush
county, having been reared here. He secured his elementary educa-
tion in the local schools, and then attended Moores Hill College,
where he completed his studies. He then returned home and en-
gaged in farming, which vocation he followed continuously here up
to the time of his retirement. In 1879 he moved to Richland town-
ship and bought 240 acres of land, to which he added until his
holdings amounted to 400 acres, all in Richland township. To him
and his wife were born three children, George T., the immediate
subject of this review, Jennie Katherine and Leo W. George T.
Keisling attended the public schools of Richland township, and
after completing his schooling he turned his attention to the home
farm, assisting his father in its operation until his marriage, in
1904. He then engaged in farming on his own account in Anderson
township, renting land there for two years. At the end of that
time he returned to Richland township and for a year cultivated
some of his father's land. He then rented the Jake Fisher farm,
to the cultivation of which he devoted himself for ten years. At
the end of that time he bought sixty-six acres of land south of
the Fisher farm on which he resided until he moved to the place
182 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
he now owns, now having total holdings of 161 acres, and here he
has met with a very satisfactory measure of success. He carries
on a general line of farming and also gives some attention to live
stock, feeding about a carload of hogs annually. On November 9,
1904, Mr. Keisling was married to Maude E. Fisher, the daughter
of James and Elizabeth Fisher, and to them have been born two
children, Lillian, deceased, and Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Keisling are
active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he has been
a member of the board of trustees of the local society for more
than ten years. In matters political, he gives his support to the
Republican party.
CLAUDE B. HUNT, one of Union township's well known farm-
ers and landowners, proprietor of an excellent farm of 100 acres
on rural mail route No. 7 out of Rushville, was born in Rush county
and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Rushville
township on May 15, 1875, son of George W. and Sarah F. (Holmes)
Hunt, both of whom also were born in Rush county, members of
old families here. George W. Hunt was born in Noble township, a
son of Harrison and Diana Hunt, the latter of whom was born in
Mason county, Kentucky. Harrison Hunt was born in Harrison,
Ohio, son of Samuel Hunt, who was a son of Jonathan Hunt, of
New Jersey. Harrison Hunt was but a boy when he came to Indi-
ana with his parents from Ohio, the family settling on a farm in
Noble township, this county, among the pioneers of that section.
In his turn Harrison Hunt became a farmer in that same township
and there reared his family, his son, George W. Hunt, in his turn
also becoming a farmer, a vocation he followed all his life, in addi-
tion to which he also became widely known hereabout as a horse-
man. George W. Hunt and wife were the parents of nine children,
of whom seven are still living, those besides the subject of this
sketch being Sallie, Sidney L., Inez, Ray, Blaine and Blanche.
Reared on the farm in Rushville township, Claude B. Hunt received
his schooling in the local schools and continued farming with his
father until his marriage, when he rented a farm and started out
on his own account, continuing as a renter in Rushville and Noble
townships for ten years, at the end of which time he bought a
"forty" in the latter township. Three years later he sold that
place to advantage and bought an "eighty" on which he made his
home for six years. He then bought the farm of 100 acres in Union
township on which he is now living and has since made his home
there, he and his family being quite pleasantly situated. Mr. Hunt
has his farm improved in admirable shape and in addition to his
general farming feeds out around 100 head of hogs annually and is
doing well. It was in 1898 that Claude B. Hunt was united in mar-
riage to Theodosia Guffin, who also was born in this county, daugh-
ter of Andrew and Clarinda (Brooks') Guffin, and to this union
three children have been born, Marjorie, Georgie and Wilna. The
Hunts are members of the Ben Davis Christian church, and Mr.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 1.83
Hunt formerly was a deacon of the church. He is a Republican and
is affiliated with the local lodge of the Red Men at Rushville.
WILLIAM T. HUFFERD, a representative agriculturist and
stock man of Posey township, with which locality his life has been
closely interwoven, is a native son of Rush county, having been
born in Rushville township on December 5, 1865. His parents,
John H. and Rhoda (Adams) Hufferd, also were natives of this
county, the father having been born in Rushville and the mother in
Posey township. John H. Hufferd was a carpenter by trade and
followed that vocation during practically his entire active life.
To himself and wife seven children were born, and all are living,
namely: John, Lot, BenjamiD, William T., Edward, Laura and
Amanda. William T. Hufferd was educated in the schools of Rush-
ville township and after completing his studies he continued to
live at home, being engaged in the cultivation of the home farm up
to the time of his father's death. He then went to Hancock county,
Indiana, and engaged in farming on rented land, cultivating 100
acres and remaining there about Jive years. He then moved to
Washington township and rented land for nine years, after which
he moved to Posey township, Rush county, and bought fifty-eight
acres, which he operated during the ensuing five years. He then
sold that tract and bought the splendid farm where he now lives in
Posey township, comprising 134 acres. Here he carries on general
farming and also feeds about two carloads of hogs a year. The
place is well improved and its general appearance indicates the
owner to be a man of good taste and up-to-date ideas. On March
13, 1888, William T. Hufferd was united in marriage to Martha
Eaton, a native of Posey township and the daughter of John A.
and Millie Ann (Miller) Eaton. Mr. Eaton was a farmer in Posey
township during all his active life and was numbered among the
substantial and influential citizens of his community. He and his
wife were the parents of five children, John, William, Elizabeth
(deceased), Martha and Susan. Mr. and Mrs. Hufferd are the
parents of five children, John, Ralph, Millie, Delia and Thomas, all
of whom are graduates of the Arlington high school. John Huf-
ferd, who is farming in Posey township, married Ethel Northen and
they have two children, Fred and Evelyn. Ralph Hufferd, who is
a rural mail carrier, living in Posey township, married Elma Cof-
fin and they have one child, William. Millie Hufferd became the
wife of Albert Reddick, a farmer in Posey township, and they have
one child, Deward. Delia Hufferd is the wife of Russell Orme, a
farmer in Walker township, this county. Mr. Hufferd gives his
support to the Democratic party and, fraternally, he is a member
of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
at Arlington. He and his wife are earnest members of the Chris-
tian Union church at Homer. In all the relations of life he has
been true to the dictates of his conscience and his judgment and
has won and retains a host of warm and loyal friends.
184 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
THOMAS R. LEE, trustee of Posey township, a worthy repre-
sentative of that type of American business man who may properly
be termed "progressive" and a well-known farmer of Posey town-
ship, this county, was born in that same township on May 6, 1878,
and is the son of Harlan and Catherine (Nelson) Lee, both of whom
also were born and reared in Rush county. Harlan Lee followed
the vocation of carpentering in his earlier years, but later he
turned his attention to farming, confining his operations to Posey
township, where he acquired 236 acres of land. He also owned
property in Arlington. He was a man of fine qualities of head and
heart and enjoyed universal confidence in his community. Of the
seven children who were born to him and his wife, four are now
living, namely: Adenia, Arthur, Florence and Thomas. Thomas R.
Lee attended the schools of Arlington, and after completing his
studies he continued on the home farm, working for his father
until his marriage. He then rented 120 acres of land, which he
cultivated for about four years, at the end of which time he moved
onto the place where he now lives, a part of which he bought, the
remainder being inherited by his wife and himself. Mr. Lee has
made many splendid improvements on this farm, including a new
residence, and it is now one of the attractive and profitable farms
of that locality. He carries on general farming and stock raising,
feeding a large number of hogs annually for market. On October
2, 1901, Mr. Lee was married to Ruth A. Addison, a native of Rush
county and the daughter of Jefferson and Elizabeth M. (Cathon)
Addison, both of whom were also natives of Rush county. Mr.
and Mrs. Addison were the parents of five children, all of whom are
living, namely : William A, Delia, Orlando, Charles and Ruth A.
To Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been born two children, Mabel, born on
January 6, 1904, and Harlan, born on June 26, 1906, both of whom
are students in the Arlington high school. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are
active members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Arlington.
Mr. Lee gives his active support to the Republican party and is the
present trustee of Posey township. Fraternally, he is a member of
Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
at Arlington. Mr. Lee's life has been one of unceasing industry
and perseverance and he has so ordered his actions as to win the
esteem and good will of all who know him.
WILLIAM P. SMITH, former assessor of Jackson township and
an honored veteran of the Civil war, who died at his home in Jackson
township in the spring of 1915, was born in that township' on March
1, 1842, but at the age of four years was taken by his parents to
Iowa, the family locating in the vicinity of Keokuk, where he grew
to manhood. When the Civil war broke out Mr. Smith enlisted his
services in behalf of the Union and went to the front as a member of
E Company, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Upon the expiration
of this term of enlistment he re-enlisted and returned to service as a
member of H Company, One Hundred and Sixteenth Iowa Volunteer
THOMAS R. LEE AND FAMILY
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 185
Infantry, with which command he remained until mustered out at
the close of the war, his total service covering a period of more than
four years. Among the notable engagements of the war in which
Mr. Smith participated were the battles of Lookout Mountain and
Shiloh. In the latter engagement he was severely wounded by being
shot in the left leg. The ball was not extracted and he carried it with
him to his grave. Upon the completion of his military service Mr.
Smith returned to the place of his birth and became 1 permanently
located in Rush county, becoming engaged in the sawmill business in
Jackson township, a vocation which he continued during the remain-
der of his active life. Mr. Smith was a Republican and served two
terms as assessor of Jackson township. He was an active member of
the Grand Army of the Republic. Though not a member of any
church he was reared a Baptist and his support was given to the local
church of that faith. He died on March 20, 1915. On February 20,
1870, not long after his return to Rush county, William P. Smith
married Frances Elizabeth Porter, who was born in this county on
January 2, 1848, daughter of John and Sarah (Hilkert) Porter,
natives, respectively, of Virginia and Pennsylvania, who had been
residents of this county since the days of their youth, their respective
parents having been pioneers of the county. John Porter was but six
years of age when he came to Rush county with his parents from
Virginia and he spent the rest of his life here, a substantial member
of the community in which he lived. To William P. and! Frances
Elizabeth (Porter) Smith were born seven children, Lulu P., Laura
E., Mila A., Charles L., Anna (deceased), Hazel M. and Cassius Smith,
the latter of whom served as a soldier during the period of America's
participation in the World war, going overseas on June 10, 1918, as a
member of A Company, Sixty-first Engineers, and returning on
September 20, 1919.
C. M. GEORGE, superintendent of schools of Rush county and
for years an earnest factor in the cause of the advancement of educa-
tion hereabout, was born in the neighboring county of Franklin, but
has been a resident of this county for the past twenty years or more.
He was born on October 10, 1873, son of William H. and Lavina
(George) George, both of whom also were born in Franklin county,'
members of pioneer families in that part of the state. William H.
George grew up in Franklin county and for some years followed
farming there, but later moved over into Rush county, and located
in Richland township. Not long afterward he bought a quarter of a
section in Noble township on which he established his home and there
spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1917. He and
his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom seven are still
living, those besides Superintendent George being Edwin O., Arthur
II., Earl W., Mrs. Anna C. Heaton, Frank C. and Riley E. Superin-
tendent George was reared in Franklin county and upon completing
the course in the common schools there secured a license to teach and
in 1894 was given his first school in his home county. His experience
during this first term of teaching convinced him that he had found
186 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
his life's vocation and he entered upon the work with an earnestness
that soon brought him recognition among local educators. While
teaching he was not neglecting the extension of his qualifications for
the profession to which he had devoted himself and in pursuit of !his
plans for the better preparation for his life task he entered the Indiana
State Normal School at Terre Haute and was graduated from that
institution in 1898, and in 1901 took a supplemental course at Indiana
State University. Following the receipt of his diploma from the State
Normal Mr. George was selected from a number of applicants for the
position of principal of the high school at Wheatland in Knox county.
For two years he occupied that position and then in 1900 he was
called to accept the principalship of the high school at New Salem
in this county. This latter position he filled so acceptably that he was
retained from year to year for ten years or until in 1910 when he
was elected by the county board of education to fill the unexpired
term of Orlando Randall as superintendent of the schools of Rush
county. In accepting this position Mr. George devoted so much earn-
estness to the task before him and the results he soon was seen to be
obtaining in the way of improved conditions in the schools of the
county were so satisfactory that he has been retained in this important
position and is now (1921) serving his third term in this office, the
longest period of service ever rendered by any superintendent of
schools in Rush county, a record which his friends declare speaks
for itself, and upon which it would therefore be merely fulsome here
to comment. In September, 1900, C. M. George was united in mar-
riage to Ivah E. Ewbank, daughter of Martin V. and Rachel Ewnank.
and to this union have been born two children, daughters both, Elsie
F. and E. Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. George are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. George is a York Rite Mason, a member of
the Rushville commandery. Knights Templar, and has for years taken
a warm interest in Masonic affairs. Politically, he is a Republican
and has ever given a good citizen's attention to civic affairs.
EDWARD MATNEY, who died at his farm home in Noble town-
ship in December, 1899, and whose widow is still living, was a native
son of Rush county and all his life had been spent here. He had ren-
dered well and faithfully his account to the community in all the rela-
tions of life and it is but fitting that there should here be carried in the
history of his native county some slight tribute to the good memory
he left. Edward Matney was the son of Elijah and Ada (Roberts)
Matney, who were married in the neighboring county of Fayette and
had come over into Rush county shortly after their marriage, locating
on a farm in the Bethany neighborhood, where Elijah Matney spent
the remainder of his life, an earnest and useful pioneer of that
section. After his death his widow made her home at New Salem,
where her last days were spent. Of the eight children born to this
pioneer pair six are still living, Ocea, Elijah, William F., John. Dora
and Mary. Edward Matney was reared on the home farm in Noble:
township and in the excellent schools of that neighborhood received
his schooling. As a young man he took up farming and after his
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 187
marriage to Elizabeth J. Williams, established his home on a farm in
that township and continued engaged in farming the rest of his life, at
the time of his death being the owner of a well improved farm of
ninety-seven acres. In addition to his farming Mr. Matney had for
years given considerable attention to the breeding of fine horses and
was recognized as one of the leading horsemen of his neighborhood in
the day when fine horses did so much to add to the fame and name of
Rush county. He was a deacon in the Bethany Christian church and
did well his part in maintaining community good works. Edward
Matney died on December 10, 1899, and his widow, as noted above, is
still living. She was born in Noble township, daughter of William and
Mary Elizabeth (Reeve) Williams, the former a native of Tennessee
and the latter of Kentucky, both of whom had come to this county in
pioneer days with their respective parents, who were among the early
settlers of the county. William Williams grew to manhood in Noble
township and after his marriage to Mary Elizabeth Reeve established
his home on a farm there, where he and his wife spent their last days,
influential residents of that community. They were the parents of
eight children, three of whom are still living, those besides Mrs. Eliza-
beth J. Matney being Irma and Nannie. To Edward and Elizabeth
J. (Williams) Matney were born two sons, C. Burl and Harold, botfh
of whom are living. C. Burl Matney was born on March 3, 1887, and
was reared in Noble township. Upon completing his schooling he
continued his labors on the home farm until his marriage in 1913,
after which he bought the homestead place of his grandfather, an
excellent farm of 100 acres, and was for some time engaged in farming
there. He presently left the farm for awhile and became engaged in
the hardware business at New Salem, but after a year of commercial
experience he returned to the farm and has since made his home there,
engaged in general farming and stock raising, and has done well.
On May 22, 1913, C. Burl Matney was united in marriage to Bessie
Downey, who was born and reared in the vicinity of Rushville, daugh-
ter of J. Ed and Hattie (Sparks) Downey, the former also a native of
Rush county and the latter of the neighboring county of Franklin. In
1918 J. Ed Downey moved from this county to Jennings county, where
he and his wife are now living. They have three children, Mrs.
Matney having a brother, Perry, and a sister, Bessie., Mr. and Mrs.
Matney are members of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church and
are Republicans. Mr. Matney is a Freemason.
JOHN T. BOWLES, a well-known member of the board of county
commissioners and a man who by his own unaidedl efforts worked his
way from a modest beginning to a position of affluence and influence
in his community, now living retired at Mays, was born in Center
township, this county, on September 19, 1854, and is the son of
Joseph and Margaret J. (Clark) Bowles. These parents had five
children, namely: William W., Albert W., Milton, John T. and
Mrs. Viola Cothern, all living in Rush county, excepting the daughter.
who lives at Pana, 111. John T. Bowles attended the common schools
in Center township and in Howard county, Indiana, to which latter
188 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
locality the family had moved in 1867. In 1869 the subject returned
to Rush county and has lived in Center township continuously since
excepting two years spent in Illinois. He has followed farming
pursuits during all his active years. In 1882 he moved to Christian
county, Illinois, and for two years operated a farm there. Returning
to Center township, he rented a farm and operated on that basis
until 1894, when he bought sixty acres of land, to the cultivation of
which he devoted himself with such success that in 1906 he bought a
lot in Mays, built a splendid home and has since lived there, having
laid aside the labors of the farm, which he now has put into other
hands. Mr. Bowles followed a general line of farming, in connection
with which he also gave some attention to the raising of live stock,
principally hogs. His farm is well improved and compares favorably
with the best farms in this locality. In 1879 Mr. Bowles was married
to Susan Johnson, the daughter of Evan and Elizabeth (Couch)
Johnson, natives of North Carolina, and to this union three children
were born, namely: Bertha, who was born in Center township on
February 25, 1880, who in 1902 married Richard Miles, of Washington
township, and who died on August 15, 1903; Earl, born on May 22,
1882, who died on October 21, 1883, and Raymond, also born in Center
township, in 1884, who married Emma Brown and has two children,
Vera E. and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are earnest mem-
bers of the Center Christian Church. Fraternally, Mr. Bowles is a
member of the lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Raleigh. Politi-
cally he has been a lifelong supporter of the Republican party and
has always taken a deep interest in public affairs. In 1914 he was
elected a member of the board of commissioners and so satis-
factory was his discharge of his official duties that in 1918 he was
re-elected to that office. A residence in this county of many years
has but strengthened his hold on the hearts of the people with whom
he has been associated and today no one here enjoys a larger circle of
warm friends and acquaintances, who esteem him because of his sterl-
ing qualities of character and his business ability.
WILLIAM H. WILSON, who died at his farm home in Noble
township in the fall of 1912, left a good memory in that community
and throughout the county and it is but fitting that there should
be carried in this definite history of the county some modest tribute
to that memory. Mr. Wilson was a native son of the old Bluegrass
state, born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and was but eight years
of age when he came to Indiana with his parents, Conrad and Mar-
garet E. (Ewalt) Wilson, who established their home in Noble town-
ship, this county, and there spent the remainder of their lives,
influential pioneers of that section. William H. Wilson grew to
manhood on the home farm in Noble township, receiving his school-
ing in the local schools and in time became a farmer on his own
account. He married Alice E. Logan, a member of one of the pio-
neer families of Rush county, and after his marriage established his
home on a farm in Noble township, where he spent the remainder of
WILLIAM II. WILSON
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 189
his life, his death occuring there on October 12, 1912. Mr. "Wilson
had an excellent farm of 160 acres and in addition to his general
farming had long given much attention to the raising of live stock,
with special reference to pure bred Berkshire hogs and the old
"Blue Bull" strain of horses, and was recognized as one of the
leading stockmen of the county. To William H. and Alice E.
(Logan) Wilson were born seven children, of whom six grew to
maturity, Henrietta, Margaret E., J. Frank, Charles B., William II.
(deceased) and Donald C. The mother of these children died on
May 2, 1899. J. Frank Wilson, who continues to occupy the old
home place in Noble township, was born on that place on July 29,
1873, and has lived there all his life. He received his schooling in
the New Salem schools and from the days of his young manhood
was a valued assistant to his father in the operations of the home
farm. After his father's death in 1912 Mr. Wilson bought the
interests of the other heirs in the homestead acres and has contin-
ued to reside there. He has eighty acres in the home place and in
addition is farming an adjacent tract of 180 acres, thus controlling
260 acres. Mr. Wilson has long given special attention to the
raising of pure bred Hampshire hogs and has been quite successful.
He raises from 300 to 500 hogs annually, fattening about 200 for
market, and has received in the East Buffalo market as much as
80 per cent, above the top market price for his stock. His pure
bred stock for breeding purposes has wide recognition and he has
won numerous prizes on his Hampshires in the big stock shows of
the country. He had a car load of them at the East Buffalo show
in 1920 and won third prize in the December show. Mr. Wilson is
a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Little Flat Rock
Christian Church and he is a member of the Masonic order and of
the Improved Order of Red Men. J. Frank Wilson married Sadie
Brooks, daughter of Melvin and Alice Brooks, and has two children,
Helen F. and Kenneth W. The Wilsons have a pleasant home and
take a proper part in the community's general social activities.
Charles B. Wilson was born on the farm in Noble township here
referred to on May 28, 1877, second son of William H. and Alice
E. (Logan) Wilson, and has always been a resident of Noble town-
ship. Upon completing his schooling he continued on the farm,
helpful in the operations of the same, until his marriage in 1903
when, in partnership with his father and his brother, J. Frank
Wilson, he bought the tract on which he is now living and there
established his home. He presently bought the interests of his
father and brother in that place, a tract of ninety-five acres, and
later bought an adjoining tract of twenty acres, having now an
excellent farm of 115 acres, which he devotes to general farming
and live stock, feeding annually from 130 to 140 head of hogs.
Since he has come into possession of this place Mr. Wilson has made
numerous improvements of a substantial character and has a well
equipped farm plant. He is a Democrat and he and his wife are
190 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
members of the Little Plat Rock Christian Church. In 1903
Charles B. Wilson was united in marriage to Blanche E. McKee,
daughter of Robert and Lucy A. (McFall) McKee, and to this union
have been born four children, Virgil F., Mildred Bernice, Charles
McKee and Lois Jean. Of the seven children born to Mrs. Wilson's
parents six are still living, those besides Mrs. Wilson being Delia,
Jane C, Eva, Donald C, and Kate. Mrs. Wilsou was born in this
county, as was her father, the McKees having beeu among the pio-
neers of Noble township. Her mother was but six years of age
when she came with her parents to Rush county, the McFalls thus
having long been represented in the county. Robert McKee grew
up in this county and became a substantial farmer, both he and his
wife spending their last days here.
AMOS H. BLACKLIDGE, who died in the summer of 1913, was
one of the most popular men of Rush county in his day and
for many years was a successful farmer of Rushville town-
ship. He was born in Union township, this county, March 9, 1865,
son of Stephen Clinton and America (Amos) Blacklidge. He attended
the Blacklidge school in Union township and the Graham select
school at Rushville, and then took the two-year agricultural course at
Purdue University. He was president of the literary society of the
university and his class. While at Purdue he also was an active
worker in the Young Men's Christian Association. His father had a
large family and could not afford to send his children to college so
Amos II. Biacklidge earned the money by clerking in a drygoods store
at Rushville in the winter, and farmed in the summer until he had
accumulated sufficient money to see him through. After he had com-
pleted his agricultural course he returned to the homestead and
put his knowledge to practical use, farming with his father for a
short time but that same summer bought sixteen acft-es located north
of Rushville which was known as the Rush County Orphans' Home,
and later bought the farm adjoining this property, known as the John
F. Moses land. On October 23, 1901, Mr. Blacklidge married Leonora
May Alexander and after his marriage moved to the sixteeu-acre tract
he had bought. He began farming on it and also operated a modern
dairy having thirty-five imported cows of registered Jersey stock. He
was a man of very progressive ideas and believed that the farmer
could, if he so desired, make his life as happy, dignified and up-to-date
as that of the city man, and he tried to imbue others with his
enthusiasm with reference to rural conditions. For years he was one
of the active members of the old Rush County Farmers .Institute, and
during all of that time served as one of the officials or a member of
the program committee. To encourage and instruct others he wrote
a number of articles on progressive farming which were published
in agricultural journals of the period, and he received a number of
prizes for these same articles, some of which were in money and others
were equally valuable sets of books on agricultural subjects. On
August lfi, 1913. Mr. Blacklidge died very suddenly, dropping dead
in the evening after having passed the day in strenuous work. He
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 191
was a lover of his home and very devoted to his family composed of
his wife and two children, William Clinton and Lawrence Amos, who
are now attending school at Rnshville, the elder being in high school.
Mr. Blacklidge belonged to the Main Street Christian Church of Rush-
vide, and for a number of years was one of its deacons. He was also
a very active worker for the anti-saloon league,, devoting much time
and money to the cause, and would have rejoiced greatly had he been
spared to see the ratification of the eighteenth amendment. Another
public enterprise which received his support was the annual" Chau-
tauqua at Rushville of which he was always a guarantor. As a
charter member of the Social Club of Rushville he assisted in organiz-
ing that association of congenial friends, and always enjoyed the
meetings. Prom the day he cast his first vote Mr. Blacklidge sup-
ported the candidates of the Republican party, and while not an
officeseeker, always was active in local affairs. A man of high,
Christian character he lived according to his beliefs, and dying left
behind him an influence for good which is still potent, and his mem-
ory is kept green by those who knew and loved him. His life was
indeed a happy, progressive and dignified one.
EDGAR E. LOGAN, the proprietor of a splendidly improved
farm of 160 acres in Richland township and an extensive feeder of
hogs, was born in Richland township, this county, February 5, 1S65, a
son of James W. and Hester (Welman) Logan, also natives of Rush
county. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Logan, James and Eliza-
beth Logan, were born in Scotland, but came to America and were
married soon after their respective arrivals in Rush county, where
they became early settlers of Noble township. Here they secured 160
acres of land, which Mr. Logan entered from the Government, and this
locality was the scene of their subsequent careers. James W. Logan
received a public school education and entered upon his active life as
a farmer, a vocation to which he applied himself during the remainder
of his life. He was successful because of his industry and good man-
agement and acquired 871 acres of land, although he disposed of a
part of this prior to his death. He was a man of considerable
influence in his community and was twice elected trustee of Richland
township as recognization of his public spirit and personal integrity.
He and his wife were the parents of three children, the subject of this
sketch having two brothers, Thomas W., a well-known farmer and
stock feeder of Richland township, and Jesse. To the old Clifton
school in Richland township Edgar E. Logan is indebted for his
educational advantages. After putting aside his studies the business
of farming claimed his attention and for a time he was associated with
his father in the cultivation of the home place, but when he was mar-
ried he founded his home on a new property, the one on which he now
lives. This 160-acre farm he secured from his father, at this time has
130 acres under cultivation. He feeds out from 100 to 200 hogs
annually, and has made a definite success of all departments of his
work. Mr. Logan has been responsible for all the improvements that
now appear on his model country estate, where his buildings are
192 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
modern, his equipment substantial and throughout of the most up-to-
date nature. In 1893 Mr. Logan was united in marriage with Amanda
Ella Stark, daughter of Henry and Amanda Stark. Mr. and Mrs.
Logan are members of the New Salem Methodist Protestant Church
in which he has held all the lay offices. In politics he is a Democrat.
"WILLIAM W. BARTON, whose death occurred on December
12, 1919, had long contributed to the general welfare of the Milroy
community, both through the nature of his business and by reason of
his personal participation in movements generated for development
and betterment. For thirty-seven years he was engaged in the
drug business at Milroy, and during that time so established him-
self in the confidence of the people that his death was considered a
community loss. Mr. Barton was born at Milroy on September 30,
1855, a son of John C. and Nancy J. (Tompkins) Barton, the former
a native of Kentucky and the latter of Rush county. John C.
Barton came to Rush county in pioneer days and first applied him-
self to farming, but later turned his attention to mercantile affairs,
and for a number of years conducted a general mechandise store
at Milroy. He was a man of high principles and was much
esteemed in the community in which he reared his structure of
business success. He and his wife were the parents of three chil-
dren: Elizabeth, Thomas (who died in youth), and William W.
William W. Barton, after securing his early schooling in the public
schools of Milroy, pursued a course at Spiceland Academy, follow-
ing this by attendance at a medical school at Louisville, Ky. His
medical education was completed at the Indianapolis Medical Col-
lege, following which he returned to Milroy, where he embarked in
the drug business, choosing this line instead of following the med-
ical profession. Mr. Barton devoted himself unswervingly to hie
business throughout the rest of his career, and at the time of his
death, in 1919, had been identified with the same line and the same
enterprise for thirty-seven years. During this long period the
people had come to depend upon him unquestioningly and to accept
his judgment and advice as final. From 1904 until his death Mr.
Barton also had served as a member of the board of directors of the
Milroy Bank. He made numerous friends both in his business
and out of it, and enjoyed the companionship of his fellow
men, being a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias
lodges at Milroy. He was a stanch Republican and took an
active interest in movements which he believed woidd benefi-
cially affect the community welfare. As a churchman he adhered
to the Methodist faith. On April 6, 188-4, Mr. Barton was united in
marriage to Viroqua Swain, who was born at Manilla, this county,
and at the age of nine years was brought to Milroy by her parents.
Her schooling was completed at Valparaiso University which she
attended for two years. Mrs. Barton is a daughter of Franklin F.
and Rebecca (Tackett) Swain, the former of Union county, Indiana,
and the latter of Wayne county, this state. Mr. Swain, who was a
MR. AND MRS. W. W. BARTON
CAPT. PRANEJ
B Company, 123d India
IX F. SWAIN
ia Volunteer Infantry
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 193
merchant and miller by vocation, was the father of five children,
of whom four are living: William E., W. Irving, Alfred A. and
Viroqua. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barton, Cath-
erine, who married Claude R. Crane, who is engaged in the real
estate business at Milroy, and Lillian, who married Clyde H. Hun-
ter, who is engaged in the building material business at Chicago.
Mrs. Lillian Hunter is a member of the Daughters of the American
Revolution. The Swains, who are of Quaker stock, are an old fam-
ily in Rush county. Thomas Swain, grandfather of Mrs. Barton,
built the old Swain mill in the southwest corner of Posey town-
ship which was for many years a landmark thereabout. His son,
Franklin F. Swain, grew up to the milling business and was en-
gaged in milling, his industries including plants at Milroy, Moscow
and Manilla. "When the Civil war broke out he enlisted his serv-
ices in behalf of the cause of the Union and went to the front as
captain of E Company, One Hundred and Twenty-third regiment,
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was thus serving when during the
siege of Atlanta, August 6, 1864, he received a mortal wound. He
was removed to the hospital at Marietta, Ga., where he died on the
following August 23.
J. A. SHELTON, farmer and stockman, who has substantial
interests in both Rush and Shelby counties, was born in Posey town-
ship, this county, December 4, 1865, the only survivor of the family
of two children born to his parents. They were Ralph and Lydia
(Adams) Shelton, both natives also of Posey township, where the
father owned 180 acres of land and spent the greater part of his life
there as a farmer. J. A. Shelton remained on the home farm after
his school days were over until his marriage, when he bought forty
acres of land adjoining his father's property and afterward operated
both farms. Ultimately he sold his forty acres and purchased 160
acres in Walker township, this county, and owns also a farm of 140
acres in Hendricks township, Shelby county. Mr. Shelton has always
been a progressive farmer and stockraiser. In earlier years he gave
careful attention to raising race horses, although he never trained
them, and at one time or another, owned some notable animals, one
of these being the famous "Baron Posey," a racehorse that made
the record of 2 :21V4- He is now interested mainly, however, in gen-
eral farming and hog raising, growing the big-type Poland China
hogs and shipping about 300 head annually. Whenever he has
exhibited he has carried off honors. In 1918 he had the grand cham-
pion sow at the Indiana state fair, and in the following year at the
same exposition had the champion boar, this animal standing third
in the national swine show held at Des Moines, la., in 1919. On
September 7, 1887, Mr. Shelton married Jennie Powell, who was born
in Shelby count}', Indiana, daughter of Lorenzo and Nancy (Hol-
brook) Powell, natives of Shelby county where Mr. Powell was a
farmer. Of his seven children four are living, Carrie, Jennie, Joseph
F. and Gertrude. Mr. and Mrs. Shelton have one son, Fred C, who
13
194 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
was bom on August 2, 1893. After creditably completing the common
school course and the high school course at Manilla, Fred C. Shelton
attended the high school at Shelbyville for one year, following which
he was graduated from the agricultural department of Purdue Uni-
versity. He served one year with the quartermaster's corps of the
United States army during the time of America's participation in
the World war and now, in partnership with his father, is operating
the Shelby county farm and taking a great deal of interest in the same.
Mr. Shelton has been quite active in Democratic politics and for six
years served as trustee of Walker township, demonstrating in this
office good judgment and public spirit at a time such important public
improvements as the planning and erection of the fine sehoolhouses at
Manilla and Homer were brought about. Mr. Shelton is a charter
member of the Modern Woodmen lodge at Manilla.
MONROE GLOSHEN, a well-known and substantial retired
farmer of Anderson township now living at Milroy, where he has
made his home since retiring from the farm in the fall of 1912 and
where he and his family are very pleasantly situated, is a native of
the neighboring county of Franklin, but has been a resident of Rush
county many years, having come over here almost immediately after
his marriage in his home county. He was born on a farm in Franklin
county on November 7, 18.">7, son of Nicholas and Jennie (Jones)
Gloshen, the latter of whom also was born in Franklin county, a
member of one of the pioneer families there, and both of whom spent
their last days there. Nicholas Gloshen was born in the state of New
Jersey and as a young man came West, seeking the fortune which
every ambitious young man in the East then believed was obtainable
out here almost for the picking up. His parents were poor and unable
to give him much assistance and of schooling he had practically none,
his days in school having been confined to a period of but one week —
six days of organized schooling in his life; but he possessed native
elements of strength and determination and thus rightly decided that
the then comparatively new country offered him larger advantages
than were apparent in the East. Nicholas Gloshen was working in
Franklin county when the big gold strike in California was announced
and in 1849 he joined the rush to the New Eldorado. He remained
there several years and then returned to Franklin county, having
acquired a sufficient sum of money to enable him to buy a small farm
in the place he had decided upon as a home. Having bought the farm
he married and established his home on the place, remaining there the
rest of his life. He did well with his farming and as his affairs pros-
pered added to his land holdings until he became the owner of an
excellent farm of 600 acres. He also was heavily interested in the
timber business and was accounted one of the substantial men of the
community in which he lived. He and his wife were the parents of
eight children, five of whom are still living, Monroe Gloshen having
two sisters, Sarah and Catherine and two brothers, George and
Nicholas. Monroe Gloshen was reared on the home farm in Franklin
county, receiving his schooling in the local schools, and as a young
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 195
man continued on the farm, helpful in the labors of developing the
same, until after his marriage when he came over into Rush county
and located in Anderson township, becoming engaged in farming on
his own account. He presently added to his original land holdings in
that township and now has an excellent farm of 198 acres, well
improved, with two sets of buildings, all improvements on the place
having been made by Mr. Gloshen, and the operations of which are
being carried on in up-to-date fashion. In addition to his general
farming Mr. Gloshen for years gave considerable attention to the
raising of live stock and did well. In the fall of 1912 he retired from
the active labors of the farm and moved to Milroy, where he and his
family have a very pleasant home. It was in 1882 that Monroe
Gloshen was united in marriage to Nancy Brook, who also was born
in Franklin county, daughter of Nehemiali Brook, a member of one of
the old families of that county, and to this union three daughters have
been born, Elva, who died at the age of thirteen years ; Stella, wife of
Virgil Henry, and Elizabeth, widow of the late Carl Ralston, who
died on April 18, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Gloshen are members of the
Methodist church and have ever taken an interested part in church
work, as well as in all local movements having to do with the general
good of the community. Mr. Gloshen is a Democrat and has taken a
proper interest in local political affairs.
WILLIAM G. JONES, who is successfully engaged in farming
in Noble township, is a worthy representative of the younger agricul-
tural element of Rush county. Mr. Jones was born at Seven Mile,
Ohio, November 15, 1874, a son of John C. and Susan H. (Gregg)
Jones, and a grandson of Andrew and Harriette (Smith) Jones.
Andrew Jones was a son of William Jones, the first of the family to
settle in Wayne township, Butler county, at the same time his father,
Henry Jones, became a settler in Custis township. Preble county,
Ohio. William Jones, who was born in 1774, died in 1851. He became
one of the leading men of Butler county and was at one time the
owner of 2,300 acres of land. He was a native of North Carolina,
as was his wife, Elizabeth Culbertson, and they were the parents of
ten children, Andrew, Susan, Keziah, Amy, Jemima, John, Elizabeth,
Sarah and Rebecca. John C. Jones was born at Hamilton, Ohio,
where he grew to manhood. He later moved to Seven Mile and was
there engaged in the stock business and for a number of years also
was engaged in the coal and feed trade at Hamilton, Ohio, and was
thus engaged during the remainder of his life. He died at Seven
Mile when he was sixty-seven years of age. He and his wife, who
was born in Butler comity, Ohio, were the parents of four children :
James A., Anna Maude, Charles and William G. William G. Jones
received his education in the public schools of Seven Mile and a
business college at Hamilton, after leaving which he engaged in the
coal and feed business with his father. He remained in that line of
enterprise at Hamilton, Ohio, until 1917, when he came to Rush county
and located on a farm of 215 acres in Noble township, which he owns.
He does general farming and stock raising, feeds out about 125 hogs
106 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
per year and represents the element which in any community, espe-
cially outside of the large cities, infuses spirit and zest into the activi-
ties of the place. Mr. Jones is a popular member of the Knights of
Pythias and Fraternal Order of Eagles, at Hamilton, Ohio, and in
politics is a Republican. He married, June 26, 1900, Nellie, daughter
of Jacob H. and Elizabeth (Young) Shellenbarger, and to this union
there has been born one child, John S., who is attending school. Mrs.
Jones is a member of the Presbyterian church. She was born in Butler
county, Ohio, where both of her parents were also born, and where
her father was a general business man all his life and actively inter-
ested in banking. He died in Butler county in 1915, the father of six
children, Harry, Albert Y., Jane E., Valora, Ruth and Nelle. Mr.
Jones is an exceptionally enterprising young man and thoroughly com-
petent in business and agricultural transactions. The honesty of his
dealings is fully recognized by his fellow townsmen, and although his
advent in Rush county is of recent date, he has already gained the
confidence of those with whom he has been associated.
E. R. CASADY, of the E. R. Casady Company, one of the
leading department stores of Rushville, is a native of Rush county,
having been born in Posey township on July 9, 1879, the son of Weir
and Sarah A. (Bebout) Casady, both of Rush county. "Weir
Casady was a son of Sampson Casady, who emigrated to this county
from Ohio, to which state he had come from Virginia. He entered
land in Rushville township, and by his energy and ability along
business lines, became the owner of over 600 acres of fine land.
He had an enviable military record, having served in the War of
1812 as a drummer boy, and under General Harrison in the Indian
wars. His father, Thomas Casady, had served in the Colonial army
from Virginia during the Revolution. Weir Casady grew to man-
hood on his father's farm, receiving his education in the schools
of the county, and became recognized as one of the best stock men
of the district, specializing in thoroughbred Poland China hogs and
racing horses on his farm of eighty acres, continuing his farming
operations until the time of his death in 1908. He and his wife
were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living:
Alma, Julia, Mary, Sampson, Knowles, and E. R. It is rather a
coincidence that there were seven children in the family of Weir
Casady, as there had been a like number in the family of his father :
William, Weir, Robert, John, Simon, Elizabeth and Margaret. E.
R. Casady received his preliminary education in the common
schools of the county, and then attended the Rushville high school,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1S9S. Upon com-
pleting his schooling, he began his business career by clerking in
the store of Winship & Payne, which was located in the same
building that is now occupied by the E. R. Casady Company. After
a short period of service with this firm, he clerked for Ralph
Payne in the shoe business for about two years, when he and Ben
Cox bought out the business. Later, Mr. Casady sold out his
E. R. C'AXADY
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 197
interests, and bought a partnership in the store of which he is now
sole proprietor. This firm was known as Kennedy & Casady for
four years, or until January 1, 1914, when it became the E. R.
Casady Company, as it is today. The business grew, Mr. Casady
enjoying the confidence of a large and profitable trade, and the
quarters, were enlarged to include another floor of the building.
Mr. Casady was married to Ethel Readle, a daughter of John A.
and Lillie (Emons) Readle, and to their union have been born four
children, Phyllis, Readle, Mildred, and Catherine. Mr. Casady is a
Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Rotary Club. He
adheres to the policies of the Democratic party, of which he has
always been a supporter, and is a communicant of the Christian
church.
HENRY F. ADDISON, than whom no citizen of Posey township
is better known or more highly esteemed, was born in that township
on January 22, 1869, and is the son of Levi and Elizabeth (Stinger)
Addison. Levi Addison was a farmer during all his active years, own-
ing a farm of fifty-three acres. He and his wife were the parents of
ten children, eight of whom are living, Samuel, Marshall, Thomas,
Henry F., Savanna, Osa, Dora and Lillie. Henry F. Addison attended
the Conaway school in Posey township and his youth was spent on the
paternal farmstead. He remained with his parents until he had
attained his majority, when he began working out by the month, con-
tinuing to be employed in this way for about eighteen months. After
his marriage, in 1892, Mr. Addison began to farm on his own account,
renting land for about twelve years, at the end of which period he
bought eighty acres, comprising his present farm in Posey township.
He conducts general farming operations and has met with splendid
success, being numbered among the progressive and substantial agri-
culturists of his section of the county. Mr. Addison has been married
twice, first in 1892 to Martha Hendricks. To this union were born
two children, Sherman, a mechanic at Anderson, Ind., who married a
Miss Tally, and Bessie, who became the wife of Gurney Earnest, a
farmer in Ripley township, this county, and has one child, Kenneth.
Mrs. Martha Addison died in 1900 and in 1904 Mr. Addison was mar-
ried to Stella Wymond, a native of Fayette county, Indiana. To this
union have been born two children, Grace and Bertha, both of whom
are attending school. Mr. Addison is an ardent Democrat. Frater-
nally, he is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church and gives his unreserved support to every worthy benevo-
lent or charitable object or any movement calculated to advance the
general welfare of the community in any way.
"WILLIAM R. GARTIN, a well-known farmer of Jackson town-
ship, is a native son of the township in which he now lives and where
his entire life has been passed. He was bom on his father's farm in
Jackson township on June 29, 1889, aud is the son of Omer G. and
Clara (Newkirk) Gartin, both of whom also were natives of Jackson
township. The father has been a lifelong fanner and is now the
198 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
owner of 140 acres of laud in Jackson township ; however, he is now
practically retired from active business affairs and is living in Rnsh-
ville. To him and his wife were born two children, the subject of
this review having a brother, Lowell C. William R. Gartin received
his education in the Osborn school in Jackson township, after which
he turned his attention to farming, working for his father until 1911,
when he began farming for himself on fifty acres of land which he had
inherited from his mother. He also rents sixty acres of his father's
land. He carries on general farming operations and also raises all
the hogs the farm will support. Systematic and practical in every-
thing he does, his success has been marked and he has gained a good
reputation as an enterprising and progressive farmer. On September
6, 1910, Mr. Gartin was married to Hollie Mock, who was born in
Rush county and is the daughter of William H. and Dora (Shires)
Mock. To Mr. and Mrs. Gartin was born a son, Vernon L., born on
January 11, 1917, who died on May 15, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Gartin
are members of the Christian church at Rushville. Mr. Gartin is a
Republican in his political views, while, fraternally, he is a member of
Phoenix Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, and Franklin
Lodge, No. 35, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Rushville. He
has always taken a keen interest in everything pertaining to the wel-
fare of his community and served two years as assistant county road
superintendent.
JESSE M. POE, member of the firm of William B. Poe & Son.
whose jewelry store on Main street is one of the well-known landmarks
of Rushville, was born in that city on April 9, 1876, and is the son of
William B. and Ruth F. (Carr) Poe, the former a native of Mason
county, Kentucky, and the latter born and reared in Rush county.
The Poe family was an old established one in the Blue Grass state.
William B. Poe first went from Kentucky to Ohio, where he learned
the trade of watchmaking, though he had previously begun his appren-
ticeship at Maysville, Kentucky, in October, 1858, receiving the
princely wage of $50 a year. He was a young man when he arrived in
Rushville and immediately established himself in business. Good
workmanship and fair dealing brought him business and through the
subsequent years he has enjoyed an enviable standing throughout Rush
county. His first location was in the Melodeon Hall block, but in
1910 he located where he now is. Jesse M. Poe received his educational
training in the public schools of Rushville and on completing his
studies he entered a watchmakers' school at Peoria, Illinois, where he
received the best possible training in the very important and intricate
art of watchmaking and repairing. He then returned home and
worked for his father for a time, and then was admitted to ^partner-
ship in the business, which has since been run under the firm style of
Wm. B. Poe & Son. Mr. Poe is also a registered optometrist, optical
work being a very important branch of their business. Courteous
treatment, high-grade goods and right prices have been the elements
which have contributed to the popularity of this firm, whose business
covers a wide radius of surrounding country. Mr. Poe was married
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 199
to Ina F. Pugh, the daughter of Joseph and Caroline Pugh, and they
have a daughter. Mary Louise, wife of Dr. T. L. Jones. Politically,
Mr. Poe is a stanch Republican, while, fraternally, he is a member of
the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and the Improved Order of Red Men.
He and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and he gives his unreserved support to every movement or
enterprise for the advancement of the general welfare.
WILLIAM S. McKEE, who is a prominent figure among the
native sons of Noble township who have applied themselves to the pur-
suits of agriculture and have found therein success in the community
in which they were born, has passed his entire life in Noble township,
where he was born on his father's farm, July 14, 1879, a son of
Charles H. and Catherine (Simonson) McKee, the former a native of
Rush county and the latter of Franklin county, Indiana. Mr. McKee
is indebted to the country schools of Noble township for his educa-
tional training. After completing his studies he joined his father and
brother, John McKee, in the cultivation of the home place, and when
the father died, in July, 1904, the two sons took charge of operations
and continued to work in partnership for about eight years. The
association was mutually dissolved at the end of that time, and
William S. McKee has since carried on operations on his own account.
At this time his activities cover 240 acres, of which he is the owner of
eighty-five acres. He carries on general farming and stock raising,
feeding out about 300 head of hogs annually. Mr. McKee has done
much work in the way of development and improvement, and it was
he who installed all the present modern conveniences and equipment
on his property, which now bears the stamp of proper management
and progressive ideas. He is thorough, practical and energetic in
carrying through his plans, and in business matters is known to be
absolutely reliable. Mr. McKee married Charity Hoy, daughter of
Lafayette Hoy, and to this union there have been born four children :
Donald, Lowell, Geraldine and Lawrence. Mrs. McKee is a member
of the Christian church, at Orange. In political matters Mr. McKee
gives his support to the Republican party and has always stood for
worthy civic movements tending toward progress. He is affiliated
with the Masonic Lodge and the Red Men at Orange, in both of which
orders he has numerous cordial friends.
FRANK McBRIDE, one of the leading business men of Mays,
this county, who has by his enterprise and progressive methods con-
tributed in a material way to the commercial advancement of his local-
ity, is a native of Center township, where he was born on June 13,
1868, and he is the son of William J. and Nancy A. (Zion) McBride,
both of whom also were born and reared in Rush county. The father
followed farming throughout his active life, having been prospered in
his efforts so that in 1858 he was able to purchase a farm of 192
acres. To him and wife were born nine children, of which number
five are living, namely : Anna M., Luella, Selma, Charles and Frank.
The subject of this review received his educational training in the
•200 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
schools of Center township and after leaving school he devoted his
attention to work on the home farm, remaining with his parents until
his marriage, in 1890, when he took up farming on his own account,
renting sixty-five acres of land, which he subsequently increased to
eighty acres. He devoted himself closely to the operation of his land
for fifteen years, and at the end of that time he moved to Mays and
engaged in the grocery business. He has been eminently successful in
this enterprise and enjoys a large trade, not only locally, but through-
out the surrounding country. In 1890 Mr. McBride was married to
Eva E. Young, also a native of Rush county, and to them have been
born three children, Guy, Zula and Fern, all of whom are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. McBride are earnest members of the Presbyterian
church at Mays, to which they give generous support. Politically,
Mr. McBride has been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party
and for the past six years he has served as postmaster of Mays, giving
efficient service and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Personally,
Mr. McBride is a man of unassuming manners, but genial and obliging,
and he enjoys an enviable standing in the community honored by his
citizenship.
OLIVER J. COOK, one of Rush county's native sons, whose
energetic nature and laudable ambition have enabled him to con-
quer adverse conditions and advance steadily, until today he is
numbered among the representative farmers of Richland township,
was born in Noble township, this county, on July 4, 1865, and is
the son of William and Susanna (Johnston) Cook, both of whom
also were born and reared in Rush county. William Cook attended
the common schools and completed his studies in the Fairview
Academy. He then devoted his attention to farming his father's
land, remaining at home until his marriage. At that time he moved
to near Glenwood, where he remained but a short time, moving
then to Hamilton county, Indiana, where he was engaged in farm-
ing for about four years. Returning then to Rush county, Mr.
Cook located on land which he owned near Glenwood, which he
operated until about 1893, when he retired from active business
and moved to Rushville, where he lived until October, 1919, when,
following the death of his wife, he went to live with his son, the
subject of this review* with whom he still lives. Of the seven
children who blessed the union of himself and wife, but two are
now living, Oliver J. and Robert B. Oliver J. Cook attended the
public school at Glenwood and from the time of his leaving school
until the present he has continuously devoted himself to agricul-
tural pursuits. Until 1892 he cultivated rented land, but in that
year he bought the farm which he now owns in Richland township,
his first purchase being 115y 2 acres, which he subsequently
increased to 220 acres, all in Richland township. He actively pur-
sued the cultivation of this land during the following years, but did
not erect a house until 1910, since which time he has resided on the
place. The improvements are all of an attractive style, the home
0. J. COOK
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 201
being convenient and well arranged, the barns substantial and
commodious, while the general appearance of the place indicates the
owner to be a man of good taste and practical ideas. Pie carries on
general farming operations and also gives considerable attention
to the raising of live stock, specializing in the big type of pure bred
Poland China hogs, of which he feeds from 400 to 500 annually.
Mr. Cook was married to Orpha E. Beaver, daughter of John M. and
Mary Beaver, and they are the parents of four children, Willard,
Wallace, Emma and Mary Evelyn. Emma became the wife of Ray
Compton and they had a child, Mary Estell. Mrs. Cook is a faith-
ful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, Mr.
Cook gives his support to the Democratic ticket, while, fraternally,
he is a member of the Masonic order at Andersonville and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
ALVA E. NEWSOM, who is recognized as a progressive and
energetic exponent of the most advanced methods of agriculture and
who is carrying on extensive farming and stockraising operations in
Ripley township, has passed his entire life in this county, having been
born on his father's farm in that same township on July 12, 1866, a
son of Jabez H. and Margaret (Cox) Newsom. Jabez H. Newsom
was also born in Ripley township, where he passed his life in the suc-
cessful cultivation of the soil. He was the owner of 160 acres of
good land, and was likewise the possessor of a reputation for sound
integrity and good citizenship. He and his worthy wife, who was a
native of Washington county, Indiana, were the parents of eight
children, of whom four are living: Oliver M., Anna J., Alva E. and
Laura A. Alva E. Newsom was educated in Ripley township, where
he attended what was known as the Stinger schoolhouse. He was
but five years of age when his father died, and at the early age of
thirteen years he began to assume a man's responsibility on the home
farm, which he managed for his mother until the time of his marriage,
after which, he rented the home place from his mother, this being a
tract of eighty acres, in addition to which he rented 220 acres more
land in the same community and devoted himself there to farming
and stock raising for some ten years. After the death of his mother
he bought the interest of the other heirs in the home place, and on this
property has continued general farming and the raising of live stock.
Industry and good management have combined to bring him success
and he is justly accounted in his neighborhood as one of the most pro-
gressive of the agriculturists of Ripley township. At this time he is
shipping on an average of between 100 and 125 hogs annually to the
big markets. On December 10, 1890, Mr. Newsom was united in mar-
riage to Virginia Alexander, who was born in Ripley township and
was educated there, a daughter of Joseph W. and Sarah J. (Stinger)
Alexander, natives of Ripley township, and the owners of 120 acres of
land, on which they carried on operations all their lives. Mr. and
Mrs. Alexander were the parents of six children, of whom four are
living: Frank M., Laura A., Ola V. and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs.
Newsom have two children : Grace M., who married Frederick Sohn, a
202 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
traveling salesman living at Knightstown, Ind.. where they hold mem-
bership in Friends church and has one child, Alvan: and Mazie, who
married George Apple, a farmer of Ripley township, with no children.
Mr. Newsom has always been ready to play his full part in discharging
the duties of citizenship. In his political allegiance, he gives his
support to the Republican party. With his wife and children he
attends the Methodist church at Carthage.
NORMAL Y. PATTERSON, a teacher in the New Salem high
school, is a native son of the county in which he now lives, having
been born in Richland township on June 13, 1872, and he is the son of
Darius and Mary Irene Patterson. He received his elementary edu-
cation in the common schools of Richland, completing his public
school studies in the high school at Richland. lie then attended
Indiana University, where he took a general course and received the
degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1895. He then engaged in teaching
school in Franklin county, being employed one year in a countrv
school, six years in the school at Laurel and three years in the high
school at Brookville. Mr. Patterson then returned to Rush county
and for four years he taught in the Richland school. He then quit
teaching and for two years devoted his attention to the management
and cultivation of his father's farm of 200 acres. He then located at
Clarksburg and for two years taught in the school at Sandusky, fol-
lowing which he again retiirned to the home farm and remained there
six years, operating 255 acres of land. He is still giving attention to
the operation of this land, but in 1919 he accepted a position as
teacher in the New Salem high school and is still filling that position.
The farm is one of the best farms in this locality, being well improved
in every respect and well adapted to general farming operations.
Besides the raising of all the crops common to this locality, he gives
some attention to live stock, feeding from one hundred and fifty to
two hundred hogs a year. Mr. Patterson's work as an educator has
gained for him much favorable comment. Of scholarly tastes and
studious habits, he keeps abreast of the times in advanced educational
methods and is ably filling the position he holds in the New SaJem
school. In 189!) Mr. Patterson was married to Lillie M. Cloud, the
daughter of A. W. and Deborah Cloud, and they are the parents of
seven children, Howard, Mary, Ruth, Stanley, Willard, Whitmer and
Maurice. Mr. Patterson is a member of the Christian church and
Mrs. Patterson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, at
Clarksburg. In his political view 7 s Mr. Patterson is an independent
Democrat.
JOHN JACKMAN, a substantial farmer and dealer in live stock,
now living at Milroy, was born in Rush county and has resided here
all his life. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on July
10, 1873, son of Allen and Frances (Winship) Jackman, both of whom
also were born in this county and further and fitting i - eference to
whom is made elsewhere in this volume of biographies relating to the
old families of Rush county. Reared on the home farm, John Jackman
received his schooling at Milrov and from the davs of his youth was
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 203
well trained in the ways of the farm. After his marriage he continued
on the home farm for about five years, farming with his father, and
then rented 170 acres of the home place, which he continues to operate
besides operating an excellent farm of 135 acres of his own which he
has acquired since his marriage, and is doing well in his operations,
making his home at Milroy. In addition to his general farming Mr.
Jackman has for years given considerable attention to the raising of
live stock, feeding out about 200 head of hogs annually, and is also
dealing quite extensively in mules, at present having about forty head,
and is gradually extending his operations in that direction. On Feb-
ruary 14, 1900, John Jackman was united in marriage to Mary Tomp-
kins, who also was born in this count y, daughter of Nathan E. and
Louisa (Crosby) Tompkins, and to this union two sons have been born,
Frank and Ned, both of Avhom are at home, valued assistants to their
father in the latter 's agricultural and live stock operations. The Jack-
mans have a pleasant home at Milroy and take a proper part in the
community's general social activities. Mr. and Mrs. Jackman are
members of the Christian church. In his political views Mr. Jackman
is a Republican and fraternally he is affiliated with the local lodge of
the Knights of Pythias and has been "through the chairs" in this
lodge, in the affairs of which he has for years taken a warm and
active interest.
FRANCIS H. McCOY, a well-known agriculturist of Jackson
township, is one whose well-directed efforts have gained for him suc-
cess and a position of desirable prominence in the locality honored by
his residence, for he has so combined within him the elements of indus-
try, perseverance and sound common sense that he has made a record
of steady progression in his work. Mr. McCoy was bom in Rushville
township, this county, on October 26, 1863, and is the son of Thomas
and Mary (Moran) McCoy, to whom more extended reference is made
in the sketch of Joseph McCoy, elsewhere in this work. The subject
received his educational training in the local public schools, mostly in
the Concord school in Rushville township. On leaving school he ap-
plied himself to the work of the home farm, remaining with his father
there until his marriage. He then rented from his father eighty acres
of land in Jackson township, where he now lives, and has continued to
cultivate it to the present time, having inherited the land at his fa-
ther's death. He has made a number of permanent and substantial im-
provements on the place, including a new home and garage, and keeps
the place in the best of repair, the general appearance of the place
indicating the owner to be a man of taste and good judgment. He
carries on general farming and also raises about 120 hogs each year.
On February 27, 1900, Mr. McCoy was united in marriage with Marie
A. Schetgen, who was born in Jennings county, Indiana, but was
reared and educated in Hamilton county, Ohio. She is the daughter
of Peter and Mary (Kirchner) Schetgen. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are
the parents of nine children, all of whom are living, namely : Mary
E., Francis L., Margaret E., Thomas W., Lena K., Harry A.', Walter
J.. Charles and Hugh. All of these children are unmarried and at
204 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
home. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy are members of the Catholic church at
Rushville, and Mr. McCoy is a member of the Rushville Council of
the Knights of Columbus. Politically, he gives his support to the Dem-
ocratic party and takes an intelligent interest in the course of public
events, ever giving his support to every movement for the general
welfare. Genial and obliging, he enjoys the friendship and good wil If
of all who know him.
EDWARD DOLAN, one of the substantial farmers and land-
owners of Union township, is not one of Rush county's native sons,
but he has resided here since the days of his young manhood and
has developed an excellent piece of property here, long having
been regarded as one of the leading farmers and stockmen of his
community. He was born in Dearborn county, this state, Septem-
ber 14, 1864, son of Patrick and Emma (Briggs) Dolan, the latter
of whom was born in that same county, a member of one of the
pioneer families there. The late Patrick Dolan, whose last days
were spent in Rush county, where he had resided for many years,
was born in Ireland and was but a lad when he came to this coun-
try with his parents, the family coming on out to Indiana and lo-
cating in Dearborn county. There he grew to manhood, married
and became engaged in farming, remaining there until about 1875
when he came over into Payette county where he lived on a rented
farm until 1880, in which year he moved over into Rush county and
rented a farm here, on this latter place spending the rest of his
life, a resident of this county for about thirty years. Patrick
Dolan and wife were the parents of twelve children, all of whom
save one, Cora, are living, those besides the subject of this sketch
being Thomas, Elizabeth, Ellen, John, Charles, Anna, Roy, Kate,
Glenn and William. Edward Dolan completed his schooling in
Fayette county, having been but a lad when his parents moved to
that county from Dearborn county, and after leaving school he
went west and for three years worked as a farm hand in Nebraska.
He then rejoined the family in Rush county and after coming here
was engaged as a farm hand for about six years, at the end of
which time he rented an eighty-acre farm, in the meantime having
married, and on that place made his home for seven years. He
then bought a tract of 120 acres in Union township and on that
place resided until 1910, when he bought the farm of 114 acres on
which he is now living in that same township. In addition to these
tracts Mr. Dolan has other farms, being now the owner of 430 acres
in Rush and Fayette counties besides a quarter of a section of land
in Nebraska. In addition to his general farming Mr. Dolan has
for years given considerable attention to the raising of live stock
and feeds out from 300 to 400 head of hogs a year. He has four
sets of buildings on his land and his operations are carried on on
quite an extensive scale. In his political views Mr. Dolan is a Dem-
ocrat. Mrs. Dolan is a member of the Fairview Christian church.
The Dolans have a very pleasant home on rural mail route No. 1
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 205
out of Glenwood. On October 7, 1888, Edward Dolan was united
in marriage to Alma Saxon, who was born in the neighboring
county of Fayette, and to this union five children have been born,
Verne. Gertrude, Clarence (deceased) and Nina (deceased), and
one who died in infancy. Verne Dolan married Beatrice Dunham
and has four children, Edna, Zelma, Xen and Marjorie. Gertrude
Dolan married Albert Dickey and has two children, Thelma and
Max. As noted above, Mrs. Dolan was born in Fayette county,
which also was the birthplace of her parents, Robert and Mary
Ann (Nichols) Saxon, the latter born in Fairview township. Rob-
ert Saxon, who is the owner of a 240-acre farm in Fayette county,
has been a farmer there all his life. He has been married twice
and by his first wife had three children, those besides Mrs. Dolan
being Leroy and Mollie. By his marriage to Mary Lovejoy he has
had six children, five of whom are living, Gillespie, Daisy, Phoebe,
Alfred and Robert.
EARL M. TWEEDY, one of the strong, sturdy characters who
has contributed largely to the welfare of the community where he
lives and a well known farmer of Posey township, this county, was
born in the neighboring county of Henry on the third day of July,
1870, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Stinger) Tweedy, the
former a native of Rush county and the latter of Hancock county, In-
diana. James Tweedy was reared and educated in his native com-
munity and followed the trade of a carpenter throughout his active
life. To him and his wife were born five children, four of whom are
living, Jesse F., Otis A., Philip W. and Earl M., and one, Mrs. Effie
McDougal, who died at the age of forty-seven years. The subject of
this review attended school in his native county and on completing
his studies he turned his attention to the carpenter trade, which he
followed for about fifteen years. Mr. Tweedy then turned his atten-
tion to farming and for about three years he operated rented land.
He then bought sixty acres of land in Posey township, Rush county,
and lived there for eight years. He then sold that place and bought
his present farm, comprising 100 acres of land in Posey township, and
he devoted his energies indefatigably to the operation of this farm,
in which he has been very successful. He has made many important
improvements, remodeling and repairing the buildings, which are
comfortably and conveniently arranged, the entire property present-
ing a very attractive appearance. Mr. Tweedy carries on general
farming and stock raising, feeding and sending to market from 100
to 150 hogs annually. On June 29, 1899, Mr. Tweedy was married to
Nellie C. Leisure, a native of Posey township, and the daughter of
William and Caroline (Powell) Leisure, who were both natives of
Rush county, where Mr. Leisure followed the vocation of farming. Of
their four children, Mrs. Tweedy is the only one living. To Mr. and
Mrs. Tweedv were born three children, Donald, deceased, Lowell B.
and Alta C~ Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy are members of the Methodist
Episcopal and Christian churches respectively. Fraternally, he is a
member of Lodge No. 255, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at
206 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Carthage, of which he is a past noble grand, having "passed through
the chairs." Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic
party. Personally, Mr. Tweedy is a man of kindly manner and genial
disposition and enjoys a host of warm personal friends throughout
the section of the county where he lives.
JESSE MURPHY, owner of a well-cultivated farm in Noble
township and a man who has exercised a helpful influence for prog-
ress and good citizenship, was born on the farm which he now
occupies, November 7, 1865, a son of John and Anna (McCrory)
Murphy, and a grandson of Jesse Murphy. John Murphy was a child
when brought to Rush county by his parents, from his native Butler
county (Ohio), and he was educated and reared in Union township.
There he engaged in farming upon reaching his majority, but some
time after his marriage to Anna McCrory, a native of Fayette county,
moved to Noble township, where he purchased a farm. He was a man
of industry, good judgment and able management and succeeded in
the accumulation of 232 acres of land, which he devoted to general
farming and stock feeding. He and his wife were the parents of
eight children, of whom five are now living, George, Charles, Jesse,
Roy and Ida May. Jesse Murphy received his education in the public
schools of Noble township, and upon the completion of his schooling
began to farm on the home place. He remained with his mother after
his father's death, and was married at the age of twenty-four years,
following which he continued to center his activities in the operation
of the home property. When the estate was divided, following the
death of his mother, he received his share, and also farmed consider-
able land in addition, but during the past three years his property
has consisted of forty-two acres, on which he has successfully applied
himself to the growing of grain and the feeding and shipping of
cattle and hogs. Of the latter he generally feeds out from fifty to
sixty annually. Mr. Murphy is a Republican in his political allegiance.
In 1890 he married Clara, daughter of Joseph and Emily Horton.
She died in 1913, leaving one daughter, Hazel, who married Ernest
Applegate.
WILBUR STIERS, cashier of the Rushville National Bank, is a
member of one of the old families of this county and has ever held
the county's best interests closely to heart. For more than twenty
years actively engaged in the banking business in Rushville Mr.
Stiers has gained a knowledge and a comprehension of the general
commercial, industrial and economic conditions of this community
second to none and during that time has done much to promote these
interests, helpful in many ways in advancing the cause of sound and
healthy investment and enterprise hereabout. Starting in his youth
to acquire a knowledge of banking methods and procedure, Mr. Stiers
applied himself diligently and thoughtfully and step by step was
advanced in the bank's service until before he was thirty-five years
of age he was made cashier of the institution to the interests of which
from the very beginning of his connection he had given his most
studious and punctilious attention, and has since done much to
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 207
further those interests. Mr. Stiers was born on a farm in Anderson
township, this county, July 4, 1879, son of John M. and Mary Frances
(Morgan) Stiers, both of whom also were born in this county, mem-
bers of pioneer families, the latter of whom died on February 5, 1910,
and the former of whom is still living at Rushville. John M. Stiers
was born on a farm and all his life has been interested in farm
development. Following his marriage he established his home on a
farm in Anderson township, later acquired a farm in Noble township
and continued actively engaged in farming until his retirement and
removal to Rushville, where he now resides. Since taking up his
residence in Rushville, however, Mr. Stiers has not wholly relinquished
his interest in farming and not long after moving there bought a
farm in Rushville township and to the operations of this piece of
property gives his active oversight. He has four children, the subject
of this sketch having three sisters, Stella, Effie and Chessie. Reared
on the home farm in Noble township, "Wilbur Stiers was graduated
from the New Salem high school in 1897. For two years thereafter
he attended a business college at Indianapolis and in 1899 was
taken into the Rushville National Bank as a bookkeeper. By close
application to the duties in hand he showed himself worthy of promo-
tion and in 1911 was made second assistant cashier of the bank and
in 1913 the board of directors of the bank elected him to the respon-
sible position of cashier of the bank, which position he since has held,
one of the best known bankers in this part of the state. In October,
1911, Wilbur Stiers was united in marriage to Mae Bebout, daughter
of William J. Bebout, of Rushville, and to this union have been born
two children, Elinor and Evan. Mr. and Mrs. Stiers are members
of the Christian church and Mr. Stiers has served as a member of
the diaconate of the local congregation. Mr. Stiers is a Knights
Templar Mason, affiliated with the local lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, at Rushville, and with the Commandery. Politically, he is a
Democrat and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic
affairs.
MILTON W. OSBORN, manager of the plant of the Pinnell-
Tompkins Lumber Company at Mays, this county, is a native son of
the Hoosier state, having been born in Franklin county on June 21,
1859, and he is the son of James T. and Elizabeth (Sutton) Osborn,
both of whom were born and reared in Franklin county. James T.
Osborn was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a private in
the Sixty-eighth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he
served over three years, taking part in a number of the most impor-
tant battles of that great conflict, including those of Stone Mountain,
Chickamauga and Cumberland Gap. After the close of the war, he
returned to Franklin county and was engaged in farming for about
ten years. He then worked at the carpenter trade for a few years,
and then purchased a general store at Buena Vista, Franklin county,
becoming also postmaster at that place. To him and his wife were
born eight children. The subject of this sketch received his educa-
tional training in the common schools of Franklin county and after
208 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
leaving school he was employed as a farm hand up to the time of his
marriage. He then moved to Connersville, where he lived until 1896.
when he moved to a farm of 145 acres, which he operated for about
four years. In 1901 he moved to Mays and engaged in carpentering
and contracting, in which he has met with pronounced success, being
now one of the largest contractors in Rush county. He has done a
great deal of construction work and enjoys an enviable reputation
because of the high quality of his work and his fair dealing. In
1918 Mr. Osborn became manager of the Pinnell-Tompkins Lumber
Company at Mays and is still holding that position. Mr. Osborn was
married to Margaret A. Evans, a native of Decatur county, Indiana,
and they have had three children, namely : Myrta, who became the
wife of Berry Rush, of Mays, and they have two children, Elmyra and
Russell; Maude became the wife of Fred Jackson, of "Washington
township, and they have five children William, Byron, Morris, Thelma
and Luella; Glodys, who was born in 1888 at Connersville, received
her education in the schools of that city and at Mays. She became the
wife of P. H. Kirkpatriek, of Center township, and they had two
children, John W. and Floretta. The mother of these children died
in December, 1918, of influenza. Politically, Mr. Osborn is an active
supporter of the Republican party, while, fraternally, he is a member
of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a man of kindly manner
and generous impulses, keenly alive to the best interests of the com-
munity and stands high in the esteem of the community.
THEODORE F. HOLDEN, one of the worthy native sons of
Rush county and a progressive fanner of Noble township, but now
practically retired from active work, is the peer of any of his fel-
lows in the qualities that constitute correct manhood and good
citizenship and is therefore eminently worthy of representation
in a work of this character. Mr. Holden was born on February 28,
1863, in the township where he now lives, and is the son of James
T. and Lucinda Jane (Hunt) Holden, both of whom were natives of
Rush county. The subject's paternal grandparents were Reuben
and Frances (Talbott) Holden, natives of Kentucky, whence they
emigrated, in 1827, to Rush county, Indiana, where they estab-
lished a homestead and spent the remainder of their lives. James
T. Holden was reared in the Noble township home and secured a
limited education in the common schools of that early period. He
then obtained employment as a farm hand, but later for a number
of years he operated rented land. He was energetic and a good
manager, so that eventually he was enabled to buy land of bis
own, his first purchase of eighty acres being increased to 137 acres,
on which he made his home up to the time of his death, which oc-
curred on November 6, 1909. His wife had died on February 13,
1908. They became the parents of seven children, of whom five
are now living, namely : William T., Flora A., C. Cade, Theodore
F. and Ellen. Theodore F. Holden received his educational train-
ing in the common schools of his home neighborhood and then
THEODORE F. EOLDEN
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 209
turned his attention to the work of the home farm, on which he
has spent practically his entire life. For many years he was an
active agriculturist, giving his attention to general farming and
he met with splendid success, so that he was enabled to lay aside
the actual details of farm work and is now enjoying that rest which
former years of labor entitle him to. He is the owner of 125 acres
of well improved land, with substantial and well-arranged build-
ings, all of which he now rents out, Mr. Holden gives stanch sup-
port to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Little Flat
Rock Christian Church. A man of genial personality and genuine
worth, he has long enjoyed the sincere regard and loyal esteem of
all who know him. Mr. Holden gives his thoughtful attention to
local civic affairs, and to general movements having to do with the
betterment of conditions in his home county. He has held a com-
mission as notary public since 1908, and in 1920 was the census
enumerator for Noble township.
ARTHUR BRADEN, whose excellent farm is located in Ripley
township, Rush county, was born in Scott county, Kentucky, on the
26th day of December, 1862, and he is the son of Harvey and Dorcas
(Powell) Braden, both of whom were born and reared in Kentucky.
The father, who followed farming during the most of his active years
in the Blue Grass state, came' to Rush county in 1878. To him and
his wife were born twelve children, of which number seven are living,
namely: Wyatt, James, Tison, Irvin, Arthur, Hallie and Lillie.
Arthur Braden received his educational training in the schools of
Scott county, Kentucky, and Rush county, Indiana. After leaving
school he turned his attention to farming, remaining on the home
farm until 1886, when he went over into Fayette county, and began
farming on his own account on rented land. Two years later he went
to Muncie, Ind., where he was employed by a glass factory as a straw
buyer. After being engaged in that work for one year, Mr. Braden
went to Scott county, Kentucky, and for two years was engaged in
farming there. Then, his wife having died, he returned to Rush
county and worked as a farm hand. Subsequently he again married
and on the death of his father-in-law he and his wife moved on the
place with Mrs. Braden 's mother, where they continued until her
death, October 29, 1909, when Mrs. Braden inherited the farm, com-
prising 120 acres, where they now live. The farm is well equipped
and improved in every respect, and here Mr. Braden is successfully
carrying on general farming, and also gives considerable attention to
stock raising, being one of the largest hog raisers in Rush county. He
is energetic and progressive in his methods and has merited the repu-
tation as one of the best farmers in his community. Mr. Braden has
been twice married, first on September 9, 1886, to Belle Hardy, who
was born in Scott county, Kentucky, the daughter of George and
Rebecca ( Jarvis) Hardy. This union was blessed by one child, Alma
D., born on May 17, 1888, who became the wife of' Albert J. Fields,
an attorney at Bedford, Ind., and they have two children, Mary E.
and Elizabeth. On June 9, 1890, Mr. Braden was married to Minnie
14
210 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
A. McCarty, who was born on December 1, 1865, in Rush county,
where she was reared and educated. She is the daughter of John
and Catherine (Rhoeds) McCarty. John McCarty was born in Lin-
coln county, North Carolina, March 14, 1816. When but four years of
age he was taken to Champaign county, Ohio, by his parents, who
settled on a tract of woodland. Three years later the mother died
and seven years later the father remarried. In about 1833 the parents
came to Indiana and settled in Rush county, where the father spent
the remainder of his life, dying when eighty-three years of age. John
McCarty remained in Ohio a short time after the removal of his
parents, but in 1835 he likewise came to Rush county and here he
too spent the remainder of his days. He was twice married. On
December 24, 1836, he married Eliza Siller, who was born in Mont-
gomery county, Ohio, on February 2, 1818. She died on December
14, 1863, and'on February 1, 1865, Mr. McCarty married Catherine
Rhoeds, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on October 10,
1828, the daughter of George and Sarah (Ruby) Rhoeds. When John
McCarty was first married his only capital was a pair of willing hands
and a courageous determination to succeed, and so energetic and per-
sistent were his efforts that he succeeded in accumulating an estate of
120 acres of fine land in Rush county. His wife also owned forty
acres of land in the same township. John McCarty died on December
22, 1895. Arthur Braden is a Democrat in his political predilections
and he is a member of Knightstown Lodge, No. 266, Knights of
Pythias, at Knightstown. He is a member of the Baptist church, and
Mrs. Braden is a member of the Christian church. Personally, Mr.
Braden is a man of genial manner, obliging disposition and public
spirited in his attitude towards all movements for the advancement
of the general welfare.
CHARLES H. FOUST, one of the substantial agriculturists and
leading citizens of Ripley township, was born in that township, Jan-
uary 22, 1858, a son of Henry and Rachel M. (Isgreeg) Foust, Henry
Foust was born in Pennsylvania and as a young man came to Rush
county, where he met and married Miss Isgreeg, a native of Ripley
county. They spent the rest of their lives in Ripley township, where
the father accumulated some 400 acres of land before his compara-
tively early death when but forty-eight years of age. He was a man
of great industry and native ability, and in his community was held
in high esteem because of his high principles and strict integrity in
matters of a business nature. He and his worthy wife were the par-
ents of nine children, of whom five are living, Margaret, Josephine,
Lucy, Columbus and Charles H. Charles H. Foust was educated in
the public schools of Ripley township, where he attended the Stinger
schoolhouse, and upon the completion of his studies began farming
on the home place with his father. At the time of his marriage Mr.
Foust built a house for himself and bride on the home farm and
resided therein for some ten years. His mother then becoming
enfeebled by the ill health of advanced age, Mr. Foust and his wife
moved to her home and cared for her until her death. Since then Mr.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 211
Foust has continued to carry on general farming and stock raising
operations on this land, which he has brought to a high state of pro-
ductiveness. His crops are large and each year he ships about fifty
head of hogs to the big markets. June 27, 1883, Mr. Foust married
Mary Dieter, who was born in Adams county, Ohio, and resided there
until her eighth year, when following the death of her father she was
taken by her mother to Hancock county, Indiana, where she received
her education in the public schools. Her parents were John C. and
Mary J. (Smith) Dieter, the former a native of Strausburg, Germany,
and the latter of Adams county, Ohio. Mr. Dieter immigrated to the
United States in young manhood and followed farming in Adams
county, Ohio, until his early death. He and his wife were the parents
of six children, of whom three are living, John, Florence and Mary J.
Mr. and Mrs. Foust have one son, Russell E., who was born on Sep-
tember 18, 1891, and was educated in the public schools of Carthage,
since which time lie has been assisting his father in the work of the
home farm. He married Louva Roberts, of Carthage, and they have
one child, Edna G., born on August 7, 1914. The family belongs to
the Methodist church at Carthage, and the Fousts are Republicans in
their political allegiance.
RUSH W. TOMPKINS, proprietor of the leading general store
at. Milroy, and well and favorably known to the citizens of that thriv-
ing little city where he has resided all his life, was born at Milroy on
June 6, 1876, a son of Nathan E. and Louisa (Crosby) Tompkins,
both natives of Rush county. Nathan E. Tompkins was reared at
Milroy. where he adopted a business career and was for many years
a merchant at that place. He was known to the people of his com-
munity as a man of the highest integrity and strictest business honor,
and also won respect and esteem by reason of his neighborliness and
good citizenship. He and his wife were the parents of three children,
Edward F., Mary C. and Rush W. Rush "VV. Tompkins completed
high school of Milroy, after leaving which he became associated with
his father in the conduct of the store. At the end of six years, in
1901, he and his brother, Edward F. Tompkins, bought out the
father and continued the business at the same location for eleven
years, at the end of which time they moved it to its present location.
This is a modern ' establishment, and the leading general store of
Milroy. A wide and well-chosen assortment of goods is carried and
the industry and unfailing courtesy of the proprietors have combined
to swell the trade and to make the business a flourishing one. Rush W-
Tompkins is a stalwart Republican in his political views, and his
religious relationship is with the Methodist church of Milroy. On
January 23. 1902, he was united in marriage with Mary B. Winship,
who was born in Rush county and who attended school at Richland.
She is a daughter of William H. and Alice (Anderson) Winship,
who passed their lives in farming in Rush county, where they accumu-
lated 160 acres of land. They had three children, Lavone, Mary B.
and Vera. Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins have one child, Alice Maurine,
who was graduated with the class of 1921, Milroy high school.
212 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
JOSEPH FEY, one of the up-to-date farmers and stock raisers
of Richland township, who has worked hard for what he now pos-
sesses and who among those who know him best bears a reputation
for sound judgment, exercising the duties of citizenship in a con-
scientious manner, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, on June
7, 1872, and is the son of Adam and Sophia (Kutzendoffer) Fey,
both of whom were born in Germany. Adam Fey came to the
United States in young manhood and located in Franklin county,
where his marriage occurred. He followed farming as a vocation,
in which he was successful and became the owner of 120 acres of
land. When he bought the land it was covered with timber, which
he cleared off and broke the soil to cultivation. He improved the
farm in every needful respect and made of it a good farm. To him
and his wife eight children were born, namely: John, Benia, An-
drew, Joseph, Edward, Albert, Mary and Carrie, Joseph being the
only member of the family living in Rush county. Joseph Fey at-
tended the schools of Franklin county, and on completing his
studies obtained employment as a farm hand, his first pay being at
the rate of $8 a month. He also clerked some in a store and as
farmer and clerk he was employed until he was twenty-five years
of age, when he rented a farm with his brother Andrew for two
years in Franklin county. He then returned to the old home farm,
which he operated until he was thirty years old. During the fol-
lowing two years Mr. Fey rented a farm of 143 acres in Franklin
and Rush counties, and at the end of that time returned to Frank-
lin county, and for six years operated a rented farm of 133 acres.
Then for five years he operated 160 acres of land in Rush county.
In 1914 Mr. Fey bought 1 12 acres, comprising his present farm, and
here he has given his efforts to make the farm one of the best in
the locality, in which effort he has been notably successful. He
keeps the farm well improved and carries on general farming and
stock raising, feeding about a carload of cattle every year. Mr.
Fey was married to Ella Marlin, the daughter of John and Caro-
line Marlin. Politically he gives his support to the Republican
party, and in everything pertaining to the welfare of the com-
munity is deeply interested.
ALVA NEWHOUSE, trustee of Jackson township, one of the
substantial farmers and leading citizens of that township and recog-
nized as one of the representative men of Rush county, was born in
Jackson township on May 30. 1867, and is a son of George L. and
Mary S. (Downey) Newhouse. These parents were both born, reared
and educated in Rush county, and here Mr. Newhouse followed agri-
cultural pursuits all his life, mostly in Jackson township, where he
owned a home of twelve acres. To him and his wife were born two
children, the subject of this sketch and a sister, Elizabeth. Alva
Newhouse attended the district schools of his home community, and
then spent a year at the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. During
the following five years he was engaged in teaching school in Jackson
JOSEPH PEY
HISTORY OF HUSH COUNTY 213
township, presiding over the Downey, Norris and David schools. Mr.
Newhouse then turned his attention to farming and for a time was
engaged in the cultivation of rented land in Jackson township, but
eventually he bought the place where he now lives in Jackson town-
ship, and which comprises ninety-one acres of fine, tillable land, and
he also cultivates 120 acres of land which his wife owns. He carries
on general farming and stock raising and has met with a satisfactory
measure of success. His place is well improved and its general appear-
ance indicates the owner to be a man of good taste and sound judg-
ment. On the 2d day of November, 1893, Mr. Newhouse was mar-
ried to Audit P. Gartin, a native of Jackson township and the daugh-
ter of John G. and Arkansas (Porter) Gartin, and they are the par-
ents of two children, Elsie, who is the wife of John Ellison, a farmer
in Center township, this county, and Herschel, who is unmarried and
lives at home. Politically, Mr. Newhouse is a strong supporter of the
Republican party and is the present efficient trustee of Jackson town-
ship. He and his wife are earnest members of the Hannegan Chris-
tian Church and give their support to every worthy benevolent move-
ment or other enterprise for the advancement of the best interests of
the communitv.
WILLIAM RUSH LEE. In the death of William Rush Lee,
Posey township, this county, lost one of its most valued citizens.
Practically his entire life was spent here and during that period he
took an active part in the general progress of the county. He took
an intelligent interest in public affairs and gave his support to those
movements which promised to promote the general welfare. Mr. Lee
was a native son of Rush county, having been born in Posey town-
ship on the 24th day of August, 1875, and he was the son of William
H. and Catherine (Nelson) Lee. He received his elementary educa-
tion in the common schools of his home neighborhood, and later
attended two -terms at the normal school at Danville, Ind., becom-
ing a symmetrically ediicated man and possessing a wide fund of
general information. On completing his studies he turned his atten-
tion to agriculture, working on the home farm until 1895, when he
began to cultivate it on his own account. After his marriage, in
1899, Mr. Lee moved onto another farm owned by his father, and
there continued to reside up to the time of his death with the exception
of two years' residence in Arlington. He was the owner of ninety
acres of land, a part of which he inherited, and here he successfully
carried on general farming and stock raising. He was up-to-date and
progressive in his ideas and methods and was held in high regard by
his fellow agriculturists. On August 9, 1899, Mr. Lee was married to
Lorena Payne, who was born in Rushville township, Rush county, the
daughter of Alvin and Martha (Megee) Payne, both of whom were
also natives of Rush county, where Mr. Payne followed the vocation
of farming all his active life. To Mr. and Mrs. Lee was born a daugh-
ter, Alta May, born on June 3, 1901, who was graduated from the
Arlington high school with the class of 1919. Politically, Mr. Lee gave
his support to the Republican party, while, fraternally, he was a
21 \ HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
member of the Modern Woodman of America, at Rushville. He was
an earnest member of the Christian church at Arlington and gave
his unreserved support to every worthy benevolent or charitable
movement. Personally, he was genial and companionable and he
enjoyed to a marked degree the friendship and good will of the
entire community in which he had spent his life.
JOHN T. REED, an enterprising farmer and substantial citizen
of Rush county, who has resided for a number of years in Noble
township, is a native son of the old Blue Grass state, having been
born in Bracken county, Kentucky, on December 23, 1869. His par-
ents, John S. and Minerva (Hamilton) Reed, were also natives of
that state, the former having been born in Mason county and the
latter in Bracken county. John S. Reed was reared to manhood and
educated in Mason county, but about the time of attaining his major-
ity he located in Bracken county, of which he was a resident during
the remainder of his life. He followed the pursuit of agriculture, in
which he was successful. He died in 1907 and his wife passed away
in 1910. They were the parents of two children, William W. and
John T. John T. Reed was reared under the parental roof and
secured his education in the common schools of Bracken county. On
leaving school he went to Petra, Ky., and engaged in the mer-
cantile business, in which he was successfully engaged for twenty-
four years. He then disposed of his interests there and came to
Indiana, in December, 1914. Locating in Noble township. Rush
county, he first bought 122 acres of land, which he has since increased
to 162 acres. The place is well improved and here Mr. Reed carries
on general farming operations and stock raising. He usually plants
about, fifty acres to corn and the same amount to small grain, and he
also devotes considerable attention to live stock, feeding about 1.50
hogs annually. Mr. Reed is practical in his methods and a good man-
ager of his business interests, having attained a gratifying measure
of success as a farmer. Mr. Reed was married to May M. Henry, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Henry, and they have one
child, Helen Irene. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Reed was
again married, Nelle Blanche (Mingle) Ruff, the daughter of Cor-
nelius Mingle, becoming his wife. Politically, Mr. Reed gives his
support to the Republican party, while his fraternal relations are
with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Haymakers. He
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
EARL F. PRIEST. Rush county lias been singularly fortunate
in securing for its public officials men of intelligence, ability and
public spirit, who are governing its affairs in conscientious and ca-
pable manner and whose services have contributed materially to the
county's welfare and development. Among these men is Earl F.
Priest, county assessor, and a member of a family which has been
well and favorably known in the county since pioneer days. Mr.
Priest, was born on May 30, 1876, in Anderson township, Rush
county, a son of Ezekiel and Margaret S. (Hilligoss) Priest, natives of
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 215
the same county. His grandfather, David Priest, was born in Ken-
tucky, and as a young man migrated to Rush county and became one
of the earliest settlers of Anderson township, where he passed the rest
of his life in agricultural pursuits and established an excellent record
for farming industry and good citizenship. Ezekiel Priest, after a
public school education, entered upon his career as a farmer and
stock buyer, callings which he followed throughout his life. He was
the owner of a farm of eighty acres, and was widely known in this
section as he bought stock all over the county. He died, highly
respected, July 9, 1913. His wife had passed away on April 20, 1899.
The only child of his parents, Earl F. Priest received his education in
the public schools of Rushville and at Graham Academy, and as a
youth took up farming on the home place. In addition to the home
farm of eighty acres, he rented other land in the community, and gen-
eral farming and stock feeding have formed his principal activities,
Mr. Priest shipping about two cars of hogs to the markets each
year. His operations have resulted successfully, and he is rightly
accounted one of the substantial men of his locality. Mr. Priest has
always taken an interest in public affairs and interested himself in
civic movements. In 1914 he was the choice of his fellow-citizens for
the post of assessor of Rushville township, and so capably did he dis-
charge the duties of this position that in 1918 he was elected assessor
of Rush county, a post which he retains. His record in this office
has been a splendid one and his fellow-citizens have had no reason
to regret of their choice. He is a stanch Republican in his political
views, and as a fraternalist holds membership in the Knights of
Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He has been a member of the Christian
church since 1901. On December 1, 1897, Mr. Priest married Mary,
daughter of Frank Cameron, of Rush county, and to this union there
have been born four children, Donald, Lucile T., Loren and Earl
Frank, Jr.
BERRY RUSH, a well known building contractor at Mays, this
county, was born in Union township, Rush county, on the 11th day
of September, 1880, and is the son of Alonzo M. and Elmyra (Moffett)
Rush. Alonzo M. Rush was also born and reared in Union township
and received his education in the Fairview Academy. He then
spent several years in the West, mainly with the object of seeing the
country, and on his return to Rush county he engaged in the opera-
tion of 220 acres of land in Union township, a part of which was
given him by his father and part of which he bought. He was very
successful in his business affairs and exerted a large influence in the
locality. To his union with Elmyra Moffett, a native of Fayette
county, Indiana, were born six children, of whom the living are Ora,
Alta, Robertie and Berry, while the deceased are John and Grace.
Berry Rush was reared under the parental rooftree and received his
educational training in the Fairview school. He remained on the
home farm with his father until his marriage, in 1902, when he rented
100 acres of land in Union township and engaged in farming on his
216 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
own acount for two years. He then moved to Mays, where he has since
resided and where he has been busily engaged in carpentering and
contracting. lie is an expert workman and has successfully handled a
number of large contracts in this vicinity, earning a well-merited
reputation as a careful and conscientious man in everything he does.
In 1902 Mr. Rush was married to Myrtle E. Osborne, of Mays, and
they are the parents of two children, Elmyra and Russell, both of
whom are in school. Politically, Mr. Rush gives his support to the
Democratic party, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Free and
Accepted Masons and the Improved Order of Red Men.
AUGUSTUS N. WILLIAMS. Since he came to Rush county,
over a half century ago, the subject of this review has been a wit-
ness of very important changes in his vicinity, and his reminis-
cences of the former days here are most interesting and entertain-
ing. Mr. Williams first saw the light of day in Franklin county,
Indiana, on the 9th day of December, 1837. His parents, John P.
and Nancy (Morris) Williams, were natives, respectively, of War-
ren county and Butler county, Ohio. After their marriage, which
occurred iu that state, they moved to Brookville, Ind., where
Mr. Williams operated a pottery plant for four years. He then
moved to Blooming Grove, Ind., where eight of his nine children
grew up. From Blooming Grove he moved to Waterloo township,
Fayette county, where he lived on a farm which he owned. After
eight years of residence there he sold his farm and moved thence
to Brookville, Ind., where he became engaged in pork packing and
general grain business, buying and selling grain. He then moved
to Wapello county, Iowa, where he again engaged in the pottery
business. He died in that county on November 11, 1874. Of the
nine children who blessed the union of himself and wife, the subject
of this review is now the only survivor. Augustus N. Williams se-
cured his educational training in the public schools of Brookville,
Ind. About two years later he enlisted for service in the Civil
war, serving faithfully for four years, during seven months and
twenty days of which time he was confined in the notorious Ander-
sonville prison pen. On his return from the army, Mr. Williams
went west, stopping for about three months in the state of Iowa,
but he decided that Indiana was good enough for him, and so he
returned and located in Rush county. About that time he was
married and at once rented a farm, to the operation of which he
devoted himself during the ensuing twelve years. He then bought
seventy-eight acres of land, which he still owns, but has increased
his total holdings to 1S1 acres. Mr. Williams has put all the im-
provements on the place, including buildiugs. fences, ditching, etc.,
and carries on a general system of farming. On June 24, 1866. Mr.
Williams was married to Julia E. Osborn, who was born and reared
in Franklin county, Indiana, the daughter of Larkin and Mary
(Howell) Osborn. To this union were born seven children, of
whom four are living, namely: Edwin F., who owns a fruit farm at
AUGUSTUS X. WILLIAM!
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 217
Marysville, Washington, married Martha Williams, and they have
had two children, one of whom, Mary, is living; Cortez W., who is a
traveling salesman, living in Ottumwa, Iowa, married Mabel Tuttle
and they have one child, Dorothy ; Ethel B. became the wife of
George N. Morris, a mechanic at Yazoo, Miss., and they have one
child, George A. ; Culver B., of Rushville. Mrs. Julia Williams
died on November 3, 1S85, and on August 3, 18S7, Mr. Williams
was married to Minnie C. Caldwell, a native of Rushville township
and the daughter of William II. and Sarah (McKeehan) Caldwell,
the former a native of Boone county, Indiana, and the latter of
Butler county, Ohio. Mr. Caldwell was a farmer by vocation and
owned eighty-five acres of land in Rush county. To him and his
wife were born nine children, of whom six are living, as follows :
George A., Minnie C, Anna E., Mattie M., Mary R., William A.,
Harriette, Clara and Prank. By his second marriage, the subject
became the father of two children, Augustus N. and Mary M
Augustus N. Williams, who is in the civil service at Washington,
D. C, was married to Murle Olive Wildman. Mr. Williams is a
lifelong supporter of the Republican party, while his religious
belief is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, holding member-
ship in that society at Arlington. A man of kindly manner and
friendly disposition, he has long enjoyed the friendship and es-
teem of the entire community.
W. A. NORRIS, who is the president of the New Salem State
Bank and a scion of one of Rush county's old pioneer families,
has spent his entire life within the borders of the county, using
his influence wherever possible for the promotion of enterprises cal-
culated to be a lasting benefit to his fellow men. He was born on the
farm in Noble township where he now lives, on October 7, 1858, and
is the son of Benjamin F. and Charlotte (Chandler) Norris, both of
whom were natives of Kentucky, the mother having been born and
reared in Bracken county. Benjamin F. Norris was a son of Capt.
Benjamin and Priscilla Norris, natives of Kentucky who emigrated
to Rush county in an early day. In the War of 1812 Capt. Benjamin
Norris was in command of a gunboat, in which capacity he served
throughout that conflict. Benjamin F. Norris was but twelve years
of age when he was brought to Rush county by his parents, who
settled in Noble township and bought eighty acres of land. Here he
grew to manhood and secured his education in the common schools
of the neighborhood. He followed the vocation of farming through-
out his life and met with a very gratifying measure of success, becom-
ing the owner of 1,200 acres of excellent farm land. Of this, he cul-
tivated about 640 acres, devoting his efforts to a general line of farm-
ing and stock raising. He gave special attention to the raising of
mules, always having a herd of them on his place, and he also feeds
large numbers of cattle and hogs. To him and his wife were born
ten children, five of whom are now living, namely : Lenora, Charles,
W. A., Alice and Lotta. W. A. Norris attended the public schools of
218 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Noble township and gave his father assistance in the operation of the
home farm, remaining with him until his death. After the death of
the father, the subject continued to farm on his own account, and he
has been more than ordinarily successful as an agriculturist. He is
cultivating 310 acres of land, all of which is located in Noble town-
ship, and is devoting his time and energies to general farming and
stock raising. He is a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and
feeds from 300 to 400 head of hogs each year. He has put many
good improvements on his farm and it is now one of the most up-to-
date farms in this section of the county. In 1886 Mr. Norris was
married to Ora May McMillin, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John
T. McMillin, and they have become the parents of five children,
namely: Walter, who married Mabel Myers and has three children.
"William, Harold and Richard; Lowell, who married Edith King and
has two children, Mary and Paul ; Helen, wife of Loren Martin ; Ben
F. and Rema May. Mr. Norris and his family are members of the
Little Flat Rock Christian Church, of which Mr. Norris is the present
treasurer. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Norris has long had
at interest the welfare of his section of the county and took an active
part in the organization of the New Salem State Bank, of which he
was elected president and is still serving in that capacity.
THOMAS J. ADDISON, who died at Iiis home in this county in
the fall of 1916, was an honored veteran of the Civil war and had
labored diligently and well as an agriculturist of Hancock and Rush
counties for many years. Mr. Addison was born in Shelby county,
Indiana, November 19, 1844, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Smith)
Addison, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of
Virginia. Thomas J. Addison was educated in the rural districts
of Shelby county, and on leaving school, his parents being agricultural
people, took up farming in association with his father on the home
place. When but nineteen years of age he enlisted, February 13,
1864, in the Nineteenth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under
Capt. Richard T. Henderson, and had his baptism of fire in one of
the most terrible struggles of the Civil war, the battle of the Wilder-
ness. The Nineteenth and Twentieth Indiana regiments were so
reduced by casualties that the two were subsequently combined, and
Mr. Addison continued to serve with the reconstructed organization
until the close of the war, receiving his honorable discharge on July
12, 1865. On his return from military service, Mr. Addison once
more took up farming, securing employment as a farm hand. When
he had accumulated some small capital, he bought a forty-acre tract.
and from that time forward his career was one of steadily increasing
success. The summer before his death he gave to each of his five
children a tract of forty acres, and still at the time of his death,
October 19, 1916, owned 147 acres, now the property of his widow,
who survives him and makes her home at Carthage. Mr. Addison was
married on August 11, 1866, to Elizabeth Cathon and they became
the parents of five children, all of whom survive : William A., a travel-
ing salesman living at Indianapolis, Ind., who married Crilla Small
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 219
and has one child, Ruby, the wife of Leonard Hark; Delphina C,
the wife of Dayton H. Gates, a farmer of Hancock county; Orland F.,
a farmer of Hancock county, who married Mary A. Heller and has
four children, Paul P., Elizabeth W., William B., and Thomas M.;
Charles T., a farmer of Rush county, who married Beulah Collins, and
has three children, Delphina M., Mary M., and Eli P. ; and Ruth A.,
who married Thomas Lee, a farmer of Rush county, and has two chil-
dren, Mabel K. and Thomas Harlan. Mr. Addison never lost his inter-
est in his old comrades who had worn the blue, and was a popular
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a faithful mem-
ber of the Friends Meeting at Walnut Ridge. He was appreciated for
his many stable and reliable traits of character, for his unceasing
devotion to the best interests of the community, and for the example
which his life offered of ability, perseverance and ultimate success.
EDGAR V. RUBY, the owner and operator of a well-improved
farm in the Carthage locality of Ripley township, was born in that
township, February 14, 1870, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Stouder)
Ruby, and a grandson of Jacob and Mary Ruby. Jacob Ruby the
elder was born in the East, and as a young man migrated to the new
country opening up in Rush county, where he secured 160 acres of
land in Center township from the Government. On this land he did
the preliminary work of clearing and cultivation, and subsequently
passed an honorable career in the pursuits of the husbandman. He
and his wife were the parents of five children. Jacob Ruby, the
father of Edgar V., was born in Center township, Rush county, and
was given the advantages of a public school education. His early
training was acquired under the teaching of his father, and when
he entered upon his independent career he was fully prepared to
carry on farming in a successful manner. This was proven in his
able management and operation of the 100-acre farm which he pur-
chased in Ripley township, subsequently buying an eighty acre tract,
and on which he spent the rest of a successful and honorable career.
He and his wife were the parents of four children; Martha, who
married Greeley Ewing, an agriculturist of Rush county; Frances,
who married John Wolf, an agriculturist of Wayne county, Indiana ;
Jesse L., engaged in farming in Rush county, who married Grace
Stephens, of Ripley township ; and Edgar V. The eldest of his par-
ents ' children, Edgar V. Ruby acquired his education in Ripley town-
ship, where he attended the Stinger schoolhouse, and on completing
his studies took up farming with his father. On the attainment of his
majority, he rented 220 acres of land, which he farmed for several
years, subsequently buying a tract of forty acres, which was his
home until 1916. At that time he bought; the seventy-acre farm which
forms his present field of activity, and on which he has made numer-
ous improvements. He carries on general farming and stock raising,
and in both departments has achieved marked success. On September
30, 1891, Mr. Ruby married Mary E. Butler, a native of Ripley town-
ship, daughter of Levi and Martha (Taylor) Butler. To this union
there have been born three children : Leonard E., a graduate of Car-
220 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
thage high school and of the mechanical engineering department
of Purdue University ; Charles L., a graduate of Carthage high school,
now assisting his father on the home farm; and Mary M., who is
attending school. Mr. Ruby is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows at Carthage, and in politics is a Prohibitionist. With his
family, he belongs to the Methodist church.
GEORGE N. SPILMAN, a successful farmer of Noble town-
ship and who has been in a very true sense the master of his own
fortune, showing in his life such attributes of character as entitle
him to the regard of all, was born in Decatur county, Indiaua, on
June 7, 1861, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Myers)
Spilman, both of whom were born in Kentucky. William Spilman
was brought to Indiana with his parents when but a boy, the fam-
ily settling in Decatur county, where he was educated and reared
to manhood. He followed the vocation of farming all his active
years, or up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1874. He
was survived many years by his w T idow, who passed away in 1898.
They were the parents of ten children, of which number four are
now living, namely: Mary, Elizabeth, Rebecca and George N. The
subject of this review secured his educational training in the com-
mon schools of Decatur county, following which he obtained em-
ployment as a farm hand, being so occupied up to the time of his
marriage. He then rented and moved onto a farm in Boone county,
Indiana, where he remained three years, moving at the end of that
period to a rented farm in Decatur county. In 1895 Mr. Spilman
came to Rush county and operated rented land for about seven
years, going then to Blackford county, Indiana, where he bought
a farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself for a year,
and then he came back to Rush county and bought the farm in
Noble township, on which he now lives. The tract at that time
comprising eighty acres, on which was a small unpretentious cot-
tage, which he replaced with a spacious and comfortable home and
made other permanent and substantial improvements on the place.
He has been prospered in the operation of this farm, and has in-
creased his holdings there to 140 acres. Mr. Spilman has always
carried on general farming and stock raising and is entitled to a
large meed of credit for what he has accomplished, for he started
out in boyhood without funds or influential friends, and solely by
his own exertions and good management he has accumulated what
he posseses today. Mr. Spilman was married to Etta Dugan, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Dugan, and to them have been
born four children, namely: Earl, who is a veteran of the World
War, having enlisted with Company B, from this county, but was
later transferred to the Seventh regiment of Field Artillery, of the
First Division, with which he took part in the famous engagements
at Argonne, St. Mihiel and Soissons, and was poisoned by drinking
gassed water; Una became the wife of Newton Gruell and they
have two children, Lowell and Harold ; Hubert married Jessie
GEORGE X. SPILMAN
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 221
Mock, who died in February, 1918, leaving one child, Carlos; Vernon
married Mabel Ilolden and they have a son, Cecil. Mr. Spilman
gives his support to the Democratic party. He is a member of the
Methodist Protestant church at New Salem and has served in prac-
tically all the offices of that society, being at the present time
trustee and steward. He is also a member of the advisory board.
Mrs. Spilman also was born in Decatur county, of which county her
father also was a native, a member of one of the old families down
there. Her mother was born in the neighboring county of Frank-
lin, a member of a pioneer family there. Jeremiah Dugan was a
substantial farmer in Decatur county, and his last days were spent
there. He and his wife had four children, those besides Mrs. Spil-
man being Clara, Rosa and Frona.
IRA A. SOMBRVILLE, a well-to-do retired farmer of Anderson
township, this county, now living at Milroy, where he has made his
home for the past ten years or more but who still retains the fine
farm which he developed during his years of residence on the same,
is a native son of Rush county, a member of one of the old families
in the southern part of the county, and has lived here all his life,
doing well his part in the general development of the section in which
he has so long resided. He was born on a farm in Anderson township
on November 13, 1855, son of William A. and Eliza (Hood) Somer-
ville, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume of
biographies relating to the old families of Rush county. William A.
Somerville was one of the most, substantial farmers of his neighbor-
hood, at one time the owner of 300 acres of excellent land, and devel-
oped a fine property. He died in August 15, 1909, in his ninetieth
year. His wife had preceded him to the grave nearly ten years, her
death having occurred in 1900, in her eighty-fourth year, and both left
good memories in the community which had so long known and
honored them. Reared on the home farm, Ira A. Somerville
grew up under the thoughtful direction of his father to be an
excellent farmer and stock raiser. He completed his schooling
in the Milroy high school and in the old Richland Academy and
then continued on the home farm, helpful in the labors of
developing the same. Some time after his marriage he bought
the farm of 215 acres which he still owns in Anderson town-
ship and there established his home, remaining there until after his
wife's death in 1909 when he retired from the farm and moved to
Milroy, where he has since resided and where he is very pleasantly and
very comfortably situated. Mr. Somerville is a Republican of life
long standing and has ever taken a good citizen's interest in local
political affairs, but has not been a seeker after office. He is a
member of the Methodist church at Milroy and has served that con-
gregation as a member of the board of stewards. In his fraternal
relations he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men and in
the affairs of these several organizations has long manifested a warm
interest. Mr. Somerville has been twice married. In 1876 he was
222 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
united in marriage to Elizabeth E. Crawford, daughter of R. B. and
Mary A. (Mitchell) Crawford, and to this union one child was born, a
son, Pearl C. Mrs. Elizabeth Somerville died on May 23, 1878, and
in 1880 Mr. Somerville married Malinda Somerville, who was born in
Illinois, daughter of Alexander and Rosa (Cochran) Somerville, and
to that union one child was born, Albert Alexander, who is now vice-
president of the Vanderbilt Rubber Company of New York City.
Pearl .C. Somerville was graduated from DePauw University in 1900
and now occupies the chair of English in Wesleyan College at Bloom-
ington, Illinois. He married LaRose Culiver and has four children,
Guinevere, Merlin, Gareth and Alfred Alexander. Albert A. Somer-
ville married Emma Louise Rapelye and has two sons, Norman Alex-
ander and Marion Lynn.
CHARLES M. GRUELL, one of the general farmers and stock-
raisers of Noble township, is recognized as a substantial citizen of
Rush county. He was born in Union township, October 4. 1859, son
of Isaac and Sarah (Young) Gruell, both of whom were born near
Waterloo, Ind. When he was eight years old Isaac Gruell was
brought to Rush county by his parents who settled in the vicinity of
Rushville, and there he was reared to manhood, receiving his educa-
tional training in the local schools. His life was spent at Rushville
and in Union township, and he devoted himself to farming and veter-
inary work. Although he did not invest in a farm of his own, he
conducted lai'ge farming properties which he rented, and was success-
ful in his undertakings. He was a son of Atica and Rachel Gruell, the
former of whom opened a tannery at Rushville about 1836 and con-
ducted it for a number of years. Isaac Gruell and his wife had eleven
children, namely: William, Clayburn, Jennie, Harvina, Charles M.,
George W., Lincoln, Samuel, Joseph, Newton and Albert, of whom the
following survive, George, Lincoln, Samuel, Newton, Charles M.,
Jennie and Harvina. Charles M. Gruell attended the schools of
Union and Noble townships, and as soon as he was old enough began
assisting his father in his farming. Later he began farming for
himself in Richland township, renting land there for twenty-seven
years, after which he moved to Noble township and spent three years
on rented land. For the next year he was in Union township, and
then bought a farm of seventy-two acres in Noble township, adding to
his holdings until he now has 397 acres, all of which is in Noble town-
ship. All his life he has been engaged in general farming and stock-
raising and has become very expert in both lines. On August 24,
1882, Mr. Gruell was married to Catherine D., daughter of Thomas
N. and Charlotte (Thompson) Smith, who was born in Noble town-
ship, as were both of her parents. They were reared and married
in Noble township, but a year after their marriage moved to Union
township where they remained until claimed by death. Mr. Smith
was a farmer and stockdealer all of his life, owning over 600 acres of
land in Union. Noble and Richland townships and being one of the
wealthy men of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had three children:
Ilattie, Mis. Gruell and one who is now deceased. The children born
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 223
to Mr. and Mrs. Gruell are as follows : Hattie, Newton, Clem, Lottie,
Josephine, deceased, Alice and Harvina. Hattie Gruell married
Louis Wilson and they had seven children born to them, namely :
Owen (deceased), Merle, Thelrna, Carl, Monroe, Lowell and Roland.
Mr. "Wilson died, and Mrs. Wilson was later married to James F.
Wilson and they have had two children, Donald and Robert. Newton
Gruell married Una Spilman and they have two children, Lowell and
Harold. Clem Gruell married Olive Beaver and has two children,
Lorene and Thomas N. Lottie Gruell married Ernest Crim and has
one child, Oletha. Alice Gruell married Bert West. Harvina Gruell
married Glenn Miller and has one daughter, Catherine. Mr. Gruell
belongs to the Methodist Protestant church at New Salem, and is held
in high esteem in that congregation as he is elsewhere. In politics he
is a Republican, but has never come before the public for office, being
fully occupied with his private affairs.
JESSE I. LEFFORGE, who labored so long and so effectively
as an agriculturist in Richland township, died more than six years
ago, but his memory is still kept green in the hearts of the many who
knew him and appreciated his sterling cpialities, and he is still remem-
bered as a man of the highest principles and strictest integrity. Mr.
Lefforge was born in Richland township, Rush county, October 19,
1855, a son of Isaac and Florinda (Brown) Lefforge. Isaac Lefforge
was born October 17, 1819, in Franklin county, Indiana, and as a
child of three years was brought by his parents to Rush county, where
he spent the remainder of his life. He married Florinda Brown, who
was born May 3, 1825, in Campbell county, Kentucky, and they
became the parents of eight children : Mary, Philander and Lewis, who
survive ; Thomas and Jesse I, deceased, and three who died in infancy.
Jesse I. Lefforge was educated in the country schools of Richland
township and remained on the home farm as his father's associate
until his marriage at the age of twenty-four years, when he began
farming on his own account as a renter, which was his status for four
years, at the end of which time he and Mrs. Lefforge moved to a farm
of ninety-three acres which had been given them by her father. This
property continued to be their home for sixteen years, after which
they removed to another property, on which they lived until Mr.
Lefforge 's death, February 14, 1915. At that time, with his wife, he
was the owner of 444 acres of good land, and was known as one of the
substantial agriculturists of his locality. Mr. Lefforge was married
October 19, 1879, to Luella Miller, who was born in Richland town-
ship and educated in that locality, a daughter of Charles S. and Sarah
A. (Simmonds) Miller, natives of Franklin county, Indiana. Mr.
Miller was a lifelong farmer of Richland township, Rush county, and
at one time was the owner of 500 acres of land. He and his wife had
seven children, of whom Mrs. Lefforge is the only survivor, the others
being George W., James T., William A., Abraham L. and two who
died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Lefforge had no children. Since 1920
Mrs. Lefforge has made her home at Rushville, where she occupies a
pleasant and comfortable residence at 717 Perkins street. She belongs
224 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
to the church of the United Brethren in Christ, of which church her
husband was also a member. In politics Mr. Lefforge was a
Republican.
WILLIAM B. MARTIN, whose life is an illustration of the
possible control over early limitations and of the wise utilization
of ordinary opportunities, his career extending from the day of
humble beginnings to his present place of prominence in his commu-
nity, as the owner of 225 acres of valuable land in Anderson town-
ship, was born near Spring Hill, Decatur county, Indiana, April
25, 1855, a son of James II. and Mary A. (Munns) Martin, natives
of Kentucky, who were married in Decatur county. James H. Mar-
tin, a farmer all his life, died when his son, William B., was an in-
fant, leaving his widow with five children, of whom three are now
living : Nancy, James H. and William B. Mrs. Martin survived un-
til 1912. Her father was born in England and as a young man came
to the United States and settled in Kentucky, where he married a
native of that state. Later he moved to Decatur county, Indiana,
where he rounded out a long, honorable and useful career in the pur-
suits of agriculture. William B. Martin received his education in the
district school in Fugit township, Decatur county, after leaving
which he started to work on the farm of his maternal grandfather,
with whom he had lived since the death of his father. He was thus
associated with the elder man until he reached the age of twenty-
one years, at which time the grandfather died. However, Mr. Mar-
tin remained on the farm with his mother, and he and his brother,
James H., rented land and bought other property and worked
successfully in the development of a good estate. This partnership
continued until James H. Martin was married, at which time it
was mutually dissolved and William B. Martin started farming on
his own account. His first venture was a modest one, consisting of
operations on seventeen acres of land, and this small tract formed
the nucleus for his present estate of 225 acres, located in Rush and
Decatur counties. Mr. Martin has done much work in the way of
development and improvement and his property shows the pres-
ence of able management and modern, enlightened views. Of more
recent years he has given up much of the hard work that marked
his earlier struggles, but still maintains supervision over his land
and directs the operations being carried on in the line of general
farming and the raising of live stock. In his political allegiance
Mr. Martin supports the Democratic party. His religious connec-
tion is with the Methodist Episcopal church at Milroy.
JOSEPH F. BOWEN, M. D., of Occident, this county, whose
name for many years has been a household word in the northern part
of the county and where he is known as an able, reliable and progres-
sive physician, was born in Center township, this county, on Decem-
ber 22, 1870, and is the son of C. J. and Sarah A. (Collins) Bowen, the
former a native of Kentucky. The subject secured his elemental
education in the Center school, Center township and then entered the
WILLIAM B. MARTIN
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 225
Danville Normal School, where he spent two years in preparation for
teaching. He then returned home and during the following three
years he was employed as teacher at the Ball and Demmick schools
in Center township. Then, having determined to make the practice of
medicine his life work, he matriculated in the Medical College of
Indiana, from which he was graduated on March 31, 1897, with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. Doctor Bowen at once located in
Occident and has been actively engaged in the practice of his profes-
sion there ever since. He has firmly established himself in his profes-
sion and has won the confidence and esteem of the people and his pro-
fessional brethren, for he possesses the natural endowments that go
to make the successful physician. On September 12, 1894, Doctor
Bowen was married to Minnie A. Hackleman, who was born and
reared in Center township, the daughter of John P. and Minerva A.
(Garmon) Hackleman, the former a native of Ripley township and
the latter of Jackson township. Mr. Hackleman followed farming all
his active life, being the owner of 150 acres of land in Center town-
ship, of which township he served as trustee for one term. To him
and his wife were born five children, four of whom are living, namely :
Edward, Minnie, Wallace and Arthur; Belle died at the age of
sixteen years. Doctor and Mrs. Bowen have three children. Luva,
Bert V. and Raymond F., all of whom are at home. Fraternally, the
Doctor is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the
blue lodge, council and chapter at Rushville; to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. His son Bert is
also a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders at Rushville.
The Doctor is a member of the Rush County Medical Society and the
Indiana State Medical Society. His wife is a member of the Little
Blue River Baptist Church. He is a man of sociable nature, straight-
forward, obliging and unassuming.
ALBERT N. McMICHAEL, a well known farmer of Posey town-
ship who has by his energy and practical activity won the respect and
confidence of the community in which he resides, was born in Posey
township on the 27th day of October, 1864. and is the son of William
J. and Sarah (Worth) McMichael, both of whom were born, reared
and educated in Rush county, where the father followed fanning
throughout his active life. Of the seven children who blessed the
union of himself and wife, six are living, namely : William W.,
Albert N, Ernest, Eva, Alice and Myrtle. Albert N. McMichael
received his educational training in the Berrill school house in Rush-
ville township, and after completing his schooling he assisted in the
work of the home farm until his marriage, in 1892, when he rented
the place where he now lives. After renting the farm for twenty -two
years, Mr. McMichael bought the place and since made a number of
important improvements, including a new house, and the farm now
presents a very attractive appearance. It consists of 100 acres of fine
land, which is devoted to the crops common to this section of the
country. Mr. McMichael is up-to-date and practical in his methods
and enjovs a high reputation as an enterprising and successful agri-
15
228 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
married Luticia Skillman, a native of Rush county; Effie who became
the wife of Leroy Divelbiss, of Rush county, and has four children,
Bernard, Gilbert, Myrtle and Ruby; Edward (deceased), who was
born on October 9, 1868, received his education in the schools of Center
township, and then engaged in teaching school, in addition to which
he also farmed; he married Mrs. Anna J. (Clark) Rhodes and they
had one child, Marie, and Amy, who died aged twenty months. Mr.
Rhodes has been true to his conscience and his judgment in every
relation of life, having so lived as to receive the confidence and respect
of the entire community, where his influence has ever been given in
support of those things which make for the general welfare.
DARIUS PATTERSON, a substantial landowner of Richland
township, now living retired in his comfortable country home there,
and whose active career was one of self-made manhood, in which
he rose from the status of a renter to the owner of a valuable prop-
erty solely through the medium of his own efforts, was born in
Bracken county, Kentucky, September 13, 1848, a son of Thompson
and Rebecca (Day) Patterson, natives of the same county. In his
youth, Thompson Patterson mastered the trade of blacksmith, which
he followed in Kentucky until 1852. In that year he brought his
wife and family to Indiana, locating at Clarksburg, Decatur county,
where he conducted a blacksmith shop for four years, coming then
to Rush county and purchasing a farm of 121 acres. On this land
he built a shop, and for several years followed his trade in con-
junction with his farming activities, but eventually gave up black-
smithing entirely and devoted himself to farming, which enabled
him to increase his holdings to 176 acres. He and his wife were
the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living, Thomp-
son, Lovell, Edward, Darius and Maria. Darius Patterson spent
his boyhood on the home farm and secured his education at the
Butler schoolhouse in Richland township. His schooling completed,
he obtained employment on neighboring farms as a hand, and was
thus engaged, as well as on the home farm, until he reached the
age of twenty-three years, when he was married. Desiring a prop-
erty of his own, and not being possessed of the means of buying
one, he rented a property in Richland township, and for ten years
continued to operate this land, but in 1901 was able to buy a farm
and moved to the one which he now owns. By good management
and wise investment he increased his holdings to 256 acres, all in
Richland township, and in 1913 retired from active labor. Since
then he has lived quietly in his comfortable home, enjoying the
fruits of his earlier years of toil. During the active part of his
career Mr. Patterson was justly considered one of the able farmers
and stock raisers of his locality. A man of modern and progressive
inclinations, the improvements on his property are of the best, and
he is always willing to support good movements which promise to
make for substantial advancement. On October 26, 1871, Darius
Patterson married Mary Irene Ilite, daughter of William N. and
DAK ITS PATTERSON
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 229
Sarah (Fisher) Hite, and a member of one of the old and honored
pioneer families of Richland township. To this union there have
been born three children: Normal V., who married Lillie Cloud,
and has seven children, Howard, Mary, Ruth, Stanley, Willard,
Whitmer and Maurice; Lola M., who married John S. Davis and
has one child, Laverne; and Cora L., who married Cliff Winship
and has one child, Miriam. Mrs. Patterson is a member of the
Christian church, and the children have been reared in that faith.
Mr. Patterson is a Democrat, but has not sought official honors.
OLIVER M. SILER, a well-known farmer of Jackson township,
and formerly and for six years trustee of that township, is a
native son of Rush county, having been born in Ripley township,
on the 11th day of October, 1866, and he is the son of Peter and
Prances (Herkless) Siler, both of whom also were natives of Ripley
township, where the father followed the vocation of farming. Peter
Siler was twice married. By his union with Frances Herkless he had
two sons, the subject of this sketch and James P., the latter of whom
died on his eighteenth birthday. By his second wife, Emma Miller,
he had four children, Ora, Thomas, Oma and Boyd. The subject of
this sketch received his educational training in the schools of Ripley
township, including the Carthage school and Earnest school. On
completing his schooling Mr. Siler secured employment as a farm hand
and was so employed for about twenty-five years. He then began
farming on his own account, buying forty acres of land in Ripley
township. In addition to this he also cultivated and lived on eighty
additional acres which he rented. Seven years later he sold the forty-
acre tract and moved to Jackson township, where he bought the place
on which he now lives. His first purchase was ninety-one acres, to
which he added eighty-four acres by a later purchase. Mr. Siler
removed to Jackson township in 1900 and gave personal direction to
the cultivation of his land until 1918, when he began to rent it out.
At the same time he rented eighty-seven acres of land from his mother-
in-law, which he is now engaged in farming with success. He is thor-
oughly practical and up-to-date in his methods and results have
demonstrated the wisdom of his judgment. On April 20, 1890, Mr.
Siler was married to Maude Kirkpatrick, who was born on the place
where they now live. She is the daughter of John W. and Margaret
E. (Dill) Kirkpatrick, both of whom were natives of Rush county,
where Mr. Kirkpatrick followed farming and stock buying for a num-
ber of years. They became the parents of the following children :
Sylvester, Pendleton H., Mrs. Alice Smith, Mrs. Flora B. Powell and
Mrs. Siler. Mr. and Mrs. Siler are members of the Hannegan Chris-
tian church. Fraternally, Mr. Siler is a member of Phoenix Lodge,
No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, and Lodge No. 35, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, at Rushville. Politically, he gives his active
support to the Democratic party and during the six-year period, 1914-
20, he rendered efficient service as trustee of Jackson township. A
man of pleasing address and obliging manner, he has won and
retains a host of friends throughout his community.
230 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
W. D. MARTIN, a well-known farmer and swine breeder of An-
derson township, is a member of one of Rush county's pioneer families,
his grandfather, James Martin, having come up here from Kentucky
as a young man and established himself here in the early days. Some
time after coming here James Martin married Mary Ann Muus, who
also was born in Kentucky, and after his marriage settled on a farm in
Anderson township where he spent the rest of his life, one of the
useful pioneers of that neighborhood. John D. Martin, one of the
sons of this pioneer pair, grew to manhood on that farm and in turn
became a farmer on his own account. He married Mary F. VanHook
and for some years afterward continued to make his home in Anderson
township, living on a rented farm, and then moved over into Decatur
county where he rented a farm in Clinton township and in that town-
ship spent the rest of his life, his death occurring there in 1887. Of
the six children born to John D. Martin and wife W. D. Martin, the
subject of this sketch, was the third in order of birth. Four of these
children are still living, those besides W. D. being Janie, Frank and
Anna. W. D. Martin was but a child when his parents moved from
here to Decatur county and in the latter county he received his school-
ing and grew to manhood. He was but eight years of age when his
father died and thus early began to assume mature responsibilities in
connection with the operation of the farm, remaining on the home
farm, he and his brother carrying on the work of the same until after
his marriage when he rented a farm and began operations on his own
account and has so continued, at present carving on operations on a
400-acre farm in Anderson township, on which, besides his general
farming operations he is extensively engaged in the breeding of big
type Poland China hogs, feeding about 300 head a year, and is doing
well. It was in 1903 that W. D. Martin was united in marriage to Hat-
tie Tompkins, who was born in this county, daughter of Ira and Arkie
(Richey) Tompkins, of Anderson township, and to this union one
child was born, a son, Earl Thornton. Mrs. Martin died on March 24,
1921. Mr. Martin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
has ever given his interested attention to the work of the church,
being one of the stewards of the same. In his political affiliation he
is a Democrat and in his fraternal affiliations is connected with the
local lodges of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and has been
"through the chairs" in the latter lodge.
ELIJAH A. KIRKPATRICK, one of the public-spirited citizens
of Posey township, was born in Jackson township, Rush county, on
the 15th day of May, 1849, and is the son of William and Susannah
(Corbin) Kirkpatrick, the former a native of Kentucky and the
latter of Fayette county, Indiana. Mr. Kirkpatrick came to Rush
county in young manhood and located in Jackson township, where he
followed farming during the remaining years of his life, becoming
the owner of two hundred and seventy-nine acres of land in that
township. Of the ten children who were born to him and his wife.
but three are now living, namely: Hannah G., Martha J. and Elijah
A. Elijah A. Kirkpatrick received his educational training in the
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 231
Osborne school, and he remained on the home place until his marriage,
in 1870, when he rented a tract of land from his father and began
farming operations on his own account After cultivating rented
land for about fifteen years, Mr. Kirkpatrick bought a forty-acre
farm, following which he successively bought and sold several farms
until 1892, when he bought and located on the farm where he now
lives and where he has since made many splendid improvements, the
present appearance of the place indicating him to be a man of good
ideas and practical methods. He carries on general farming opera-
tions, and also deals extensively in live stock, buying and selling hogs
and cattle, in which he has been successful. On February 6, 1870,
Mr. Kirkpatrick was married to Laura A. Leisure, a native of Jackson
township, Rush county, the daughter of Henry and Elsie Leisure. To
their union were born two children, Owen E. and D. Claude, both of
whom are deceased. Owen E. Kirkpatrick, who was a merchant in
Hancock county, Indiana, married Katie Humphrey and they had two
children, Glenn and Wilbur. D. Claude Kirkpatrick, who conducted
a real estate and insurance business in Lincoln, Nebraska, married
Nellie Frakes and they had two children, Alta and an infant, both
deceased. Mrs. Laura Kirkpatrick died on April 6, 1888, and on
November 8, 1891, Mr. Kirkpatrick was married to Angie Cox, who
was born and reared in Hancock county, Indiana, the daughter of
Riley and Sarah (Leary) Cox, both of whom were also natives of
Hancock county, where Mr. Cox followed the vocation of farming.
He and his wife were the parents of four children, three of whom are
living, Martha, Stella and Angie. Politically, Mr. Kirkpatrick gives
his support to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church, while Mrs. Kirkpatrick is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, to both of which societies they give liberal support.
Throughout his long life here he has ever enjoyed the confidence and
good will of all who have had dealings with him and he has always
been an ardent supporter of every movement the object of which
was the advancement of the public welfare in any way.
WILLIAM WILLIAMS, one of the most widely known citizens
of Rush county, who after a long period of strenuous endeavor, is
now retired from active life and is quietly spending his last days in
New Salem, comes from one of the real pioneer families of Rush
county, for his paternal grandparents, Isaac and Margaret Williams,
were the first white settlers in that part of the county now comprised
in what is Noble township. Isaac Williams was a native of Tennessee
and his wife was born and reared in the Cumberland mountains of
Tennessee. They made the trip north to their Indiana destination by
horseback — or, rather, they took turns in coming horseback, as they
had but one horse and the family comprised the parents and two
children. They first stopped in Franklin county, where they
remained for a time. In the spring of 1818 they came to this locality
and "squatted" in what is now Rush county, their cabin home being
in what later was organized as Noble township. Here they lived and
improved their home as best they could, and when the land here was
232 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
opened for sale Isaac Williams entered this land from the Government,
and there he spent the remainder of his days. Among his children
was John Williams, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in
1813, and who married Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Kentucky. In
his childhood he had been brought to Rush county by his parents and
here was reared to manhood. He followed the vocation of farming
during all his active years and he and his wife lost their lives in a
cyclone which passed over their home on June 14. 18S0. They were
the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living, namely : Mar-
garet, Jennie, Anna, Amanda, William, James A. and John O., living,
and Isaac, Harriette M. and Nancy E., deceased, the first named hav-
ing lost his life in the Civil war. William Williams, who has spent
practically his entire life of more than three-quarters of a century
in Noble township, received his education in the old Bethany Metho-
dist Episcopal church, in which building a school was conducted, and
in the old Pinhook school house. He was then employed as a farm
hand until his marriage, after which he farmed rented land for about
ten years. He then bought sixty-two acres of land, which he operated
in addition to rented land, and so successful was he that he eventually
increased his holding to 195 acres, all of which was located in Noble
township. Mr. Williams carried on general farming and stock raising
on this farm until 1917, when he retired from the active personal
management of his farm and since then has resided at New Salem.
Mr. Williams was married to Julia A. McKee, the daughter of James
and Emily McKee, and whose death occurred on March 7, 1920
Politically, Mr. Williams is an earnest supporter of the Republican
party. Whatever of success Mr. Williams attained in life has been
due entirely to his own efforts, energy and natural ability, and he has
left the strong impress of his individuality upon all with whom he
has come in contact.
THOMAS EDWARD MEDD. Farming as a life occupation
has interested many of the most substantial citizens of Rush county,
and their well cultivated and improved properties show that their
efforts have met with material reward and that they take a pride
in their homes. One of these representative farmers is Thomas Ed-
ward Medd, of Noble township, owner of 128 acres of valuable
land, who is now living somewhat retired from his former activi-
ties. He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, September 28,
1855, son of Thomas and Susan (Poshard) Medd, natives of York-
shire, England, and Dearborn county, Indiana, respectively. Thomas
Medd was an infant when his parents brought him to the United
States and settled in Dearborn county, Indiana, where he was
reared to manhood, and taught _to make himself useful both as a
fanner and cooper, both of which occupations he followed all of his
life. When war broke out between this country and Mexico in the
'40s he enlisted in the army from Dearborn county, and served
until the close of that campaign. He and his wife had fourteen
children, five of whom survive, namely: Joseph, Albert. Thomas
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 233
Edward, Anna and Laura. Thomas Edward Medd attended the
common schools of his native county, and after he left school be-
gan farming, working out as a farm hand in that county until he
was twenty years old, at which time he came to Rush county, here
continuing to work for others for a time, in all following this line
of work for about four and one-half years. During this time he
was thrifty and was finally able to get a start for himself, first
renting land, but later buying a farm of eighty-two acres, to which
he added until he secured his present farm. While he operated his
land himself he carried on general farming and stock raising for
which he deemed it best suited. Pie married Catherine, daughter
of James and Nancy Holman, who died in April, 1907. For many
years Mr. Medd has been a consistent member of Little Flat Rock
Christian Church. He is a Democrat and has ever given his
thoughtful attention to his duty as a citizen, helpful in promoting
movements having to do with the betterment of local conditions.
SAMUEL L. TRABUE, who occupies a leading place among the
members of the legal profession at Rushville and is known likewise
as a prominent and influential member of the Democratic party,
was born on a farm in Noble township, this county, June 29, 1878, a
son of Samuel H. and Mary J. (McKee) Trabue. Samuel H. Trabue
received his education in his native state of Kentucky and at the age
of twenty-four years came to Rush count.y, where he worked for one
year as a farm hand. He then secured by purchase twenty-five acres
of land in Noble township, which he cultivated for about ten years,
following which he sold his holdings and moved to Center township,
where he bought eighty acres. Through industry and good manage-
ment he increased his possessions to 190 acres and continued to live
on this farm until 1910, when he retired from active pursuits and
moved to Rushville, his present home. Mr. Trabue still supervises
the operation of this farm, on which he specializes in live stock rais-
ing, and feeds out about 1.000 head of hogs a year. Mr. Trabue
married in 1877, Mary J. McKee, daughter of David and Martha
McKee, members of old families of Rush county, and to this union
there were born six children, of whom four are living, those besides
Samuel L. Trabue being David M. Trabue, who manages the home farm
for his father ; Bert L. Trabue, president of the Farmers Trust Com-
pany of Rushville, and Harry C. Trabue, of Kokomo, Ind. Samuel
L. Trabue received his early schooling in the common schools of
Center township, following which he took a one-year normal course at
Glenwood. He then attended Valparaiso University for two years,
and upon his graduation from that institution with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws returned to Rushville and entered upon the practice
of his profession, in which he has been highly successful. He belongs
to the various organizations of his calling and occupies a high place
in the esteem of his fellow-practitioners and the confidence of a large
and constantly growing clientele. In politics a Democrat. Mr.
Trabue has taken a keen and active interest in political matters, and
at present is secretary of the Democratic state central committee.
234 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
During the World war he was in the Field Artillery Officers' Train-
ing School at Camp Taylor, Ky. Previous to entering the military
service he was fuel administrator for Rush county. As a fraternalist,
he is a Scottish Rite Mason, a Knight Templar and a Shriner, and
belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows and Elks, all of Rush-
ville. His religious connection is with the First Presbyterian church
of Rushville. On September 28, 1910, Mr. Trabue married Mar-
guerite, daughter of Frank E. and Anna Tritt, of Knightstown, Ind.
WILLIAM EDWIN TARPLEE, widely known as one of the
honored citizens of Richland township, this county, the major portion
of his life having been spent in this locality, was born in Decatur
county, Indiana, on the 1st day of December, 1866, and is the son
of George and Elizabeth (Arnold) Tarplee, the latter a native of
Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of John Arnold and wife, who became
pioneers of Decatur county, this state. John Arnold was born in the
vicinity of Berlin, Germany, and his wife also was of German birth.
They were married in their native country and shortly afterward
came to America, locating at Philadelphia, from which city they
presently moved to Cincinnati. While living in Cincinnati John
Arnold came up into Indiana and at the land office at Brookville
entered claim to a tract of land in the eastern part of Decatur county,
where he presently established his home, he and his family thus
having been numbered among the pioneers of that county, and he and
his wife spent the remainder of their lives in that county. George
Tarplee was born in Worcestershire, England, where he was reared to
the age of fifteen years, when he came to the United States. He landed
at New York with limited financial resources but, determined and
ambitious, he turned his face westward and worked his way to Deca-
tur county, Indiana. He first located at Greensburg, where he
learned the trade of shoemaking, and then he moved to Clarksburg,
where he opened a shoe shop and engaged in the making of custom
shoes. So successful was he that he soon had six shoemakers working
for him and gained a wide and favorable reputation for the quality
of his work. Subsequently he added a line of general merchandise,
to which he eventually devoted all of his time. For some years he
was in partnership with Anderson Beagles, but in 1876 he retired
from active business pursuits and spent his last days quietly there,
his death occurring in 1908, three years after the death of his wife.
He had been very successful in all of his business affairs and at the
time of his death was the owner of 466 acres of land in Rush county.
To him and his wife had been born four children, William E. Tarplee
having two brothers, James H. Tarplee, bookkeeper for O'Neal Bros,
at Rushville; John T. Tarplee, a farmer living at Clarksburg, and
a sister, Cordelia, wife of F. A. Rohe, of Greensburg. William E.
Tarplee received his schooling in the public schools of Clarksburg and
on the completion of his studies he turned his attention to farming.
renting land from his father when only sixteen years of age. He
has devoted practically his entire active life to agriculture, in which
course he has made no mistake, for he has been successful and enjoys
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 235
a reputation as a man of practical ideas, sound judgment and indus-
trious habits. He continued to rent land from his father until the
latter 's death, at which time he inherited 160 acres from the estate.
He carries on a general line of farming, devoting about fifty acres
to corn and a like amount to small grain, while he also has been
markedly successful in the feeding of live stock, of which he handles
about a carload of cattle and 100 or more hogs. In 1885 Mr. Tarplee
was married to Ida B. Taylor, the daughter of Sarah Taylor, and they
have become the parents of four children, namely: Tressa, who
became the wife of Joseph Harves and is the mother of one child, Har-
old; Allen, who married Bessie Parker; Prank, who married Isa-
belle Clark, and Dorothy. Mr. Tarplee is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Politically he is a Democrat and his fraternal rela-
tions are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he
has received preferment, having passed through the chairs of the
subordinate lodge to which he belongs. A residence here of many
years has but strengthened his hold on the hearts of his fellow
citizens and none in his locality enjoys a larger circle of friends and
acquaintances.
"WILLIAM A. LORD, a well-known coal dealer at Mays and a
Center township landowner, who was formerly trustee of that town-
ship, is a native son of Rush county, having been born in Union
township on September 23, 1857, and is the son of James J. and
Sarah (Billings) Lord, the latter of whom also was a native of Rush
county. James J. Lord was a native of the state of Delaware, but in
boyhood was brought by his parents to Indiana, the family settling
in Rush county, where he completed his education in the common
schools. He thereafter devoted himself to agricultural pursuits,
buying a tract of land in Howard county, Indiana, where he spent
the rest of his life. To him and his wife were born seven children, four
of whom are living, namely: William, J. L. (a physician), Jennie and
Hattie. Francis 0. died on April 9, 1921, and Ann and Ellsworth
died in infancy. William A. Lord was about three years of age when
the family moved to Howard county and there he received his educa-
tional training. He remained on the home farm with his parents
until his marriage, when he rented seventy-five acres of land and
engaged in farming on his own account. Two years later he returned
to Rush county and for three years thereafter devoted himself to
the cultivation of 180 acres of land near Mays. He then returned to
Howard county and opened a general store, which he ran about four
years. Again returning to Rush county, Mr. Lord spent seven years
in the operation of a farm of 180 acres in Center township, but at
the end of that time he retired from active farm work and moved to
Mays, where he engaged in the coal business, which still commands
his attention. Energetic and a good manager, he has been successful
in all his operations and today is in comfortable financial circum-
stances. He owns thirty acres of land in Center township and is num-
bered among the substantial and enterprising citizens of his locality.
Mr. Lord has been twice married, first to Maria Covalt and, after her
236 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
death, to Hattie A. (Smith) Langston, a native of Rush comity and
the daughter of Shelby and Vina Smith. To the first union three
children were born, Sarah Edna, Dora E. and Mary, the latter of
whom died at the age of six years. To the last union has been born
a son, Fred S., now three years old. Mr. and Mrs. Lord are members
of the Christian church at Raleigh. Fraternally, Mr. Lord is a mem-
ber of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Repub-
lican party and served four years as trustee of Center township. He
takes a keen interest in public affairs and gives his support to every
movement for the general welfare of the community.
BIRNEY E. IIITE. Of the men who have actively participated
in the agricultural transformation of Richland township during
more than a quarter of a century past, a few are better or more
favorably known than Birney E. Ilite, who is now carrying on suc-
cessful farming and stock raising operations on a ninety-acre farm.
Mr. Hite was born on June 8, 1869, in Richland township, a son of
William T. and Mary A. (Hite) Hite, natives of the same township.
Through both of his parents Mr. Hite is descended from Jacob Hite,
Sr., a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who was born in Freder-
ick county, Maryland, February 14, 1761, a son of John and Sarah
Hite, and in 1762 was taken by his parents to Frederick county,
Virginia, where he was reared, educated and married. There he
enlisted under Gilkison for service in the Revolutionary war, and
was in the commands of Generals Mcintosh, Armistead and Newell.
As a private he served two months in 1778, and from October 1,
1781, served six months, also as a private, being present at the
siege of Yorktown. Jacob Hite married Catherine Shiner, from
whom the members of the family are said to inherit their black
eyes, and they subsequently removed to Rockbridge county, Vir-
ginia, near the Natural Bridge, where to them there were born five
sons and one daughter, all of whom, with the exception of the eld-
est son, John, Jr., emigrated with their parents to Rush county,
Indiana, about 1829, the mother making the journey on horseback.
John, the eldest son, remained and died in Rockbridge county, and
no trace of his descendants has been found. The other children
were : George, a soldier of the War of 1812, and a blacksmith and
farmer, who had eight children, John, W. N. (the grandfather of
Birney E. Hite on the paternal side), Jacob, G. W., Sr., Mrs. Polly
Sack, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mrs. Harriet McDaniels; William,
a farmer and blacksmith, who had seven children, Green, William,
Joseph, Mrs. Eliza McDaniels, Mrs. Mary Watkins. Mrs. Harriet
Watkins and Mrs. Cass Ann Barber; Jacob Ilite. Jr., justice of the
peace of Richland township for years, and the purchaser of the
700 acres of land from the government on which the family re-
sided afterward, and on which he molded and burnt the bricks for
his house, one of the first in the township, who had eleven children.
James, Mrs. Polly Douglas, Mrs Lucinda Caskey, Mrs Eliza Cas-
BIRNEY IIITE
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 237
key, Mrs. Jane Tattle, Francis, William, Mrs. Mary Moore, Harriet,
Mrs. Caroline Sparks and Mrs. Jennie Sullivan; Polly, who mar-
ried Archibald Crowdy and had one son, Alexander. Alexander
Hite, a cabinet-maker and farmer, the maternal grandfather of
Birney E. Hite, who had thirteen children, William C, John I.,
S. A., Thomas R., Jacob H., J. D., Joseph L., Winfield S., Mrs. Ga-
brella J. Farthing, Hannah E., Mrs. Mary A. Hite, Mrs. Lucinda A.
Lawson, and M. B. Hite. William T. Hite, the father of Birney E.
Hite, was born in Richland township, where he was reared and
educated. At the time of his marriage he rented eighty acres of
land from his father, upon which he carried on operations until
February, 1871, when he bought the farm now operated by his son.
He did not live long thereafter, dying August 31, 1871. His widow
survived him until July 12, 1917. The only child of his parents,
Birney E. Hite attended the schools of Richland township, and was
graduated from Clarksburg high school in 1885 with the second
class to complete the course in that school. After attending De-
Pauw University for one year, he returned to Clarksburg, where
he was variously employed for about eight years, and then resumed
farming on their property. In 1902 he moved to his present farm,
a tract of ninety acres, which he is renting and which he operates
along the lines of,general farming and stock raising. He is a pub-
lic-spirited, well-balanced man and is deeply interested in all that
pertains to the lasting welfare of the community. A member of the
Christian church, Mr. Hite taught in the Sunday school for twenty-
five years, and during the past five years has been church clerk.
Mr. Hite is a Democrat. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, af-
filiated with the blue lodge at Clarksburg, the chapter, Royal Arch
Masons, and the council, Royal and Select Masters, at Greensburg;
Rushville Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar, at Rushville;
the Indiana Consistory, S. P. R. S. thirty-second degree, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, North Masonic Jurisdiction, Valley of In-
dianapolis, and a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple, Indianapolis.
MILTON HENLEY, one of the most energetic, persevering and
thoroughgoing agriculturists of Ripley township, has spent his life
in this community, where he is the representative of a family that has
been highly esteemed for many years. He was born on his father's
farm in Ripley township, February 10, 1872, a son of Milton and
Julia (Stanley) Henley, and a grandson of Thomas Henley, a pioneer
of the locality, who took up Government land during the early set-
tlement and established this branch of the family. Milton Henley, the
elder, was born in Ripley township, where he acquired his early
education in the public schools, this training being supplemented by
a course at Earlham College, Richmond, Ind. When he was ready
to enter upon his independent career, he chose farming as his means
of livelihood and thus spent the rest of his life, becoming the owner
of an excellent farm. He married Julia Stanley, daughter of Wyatt
238 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Stanley, another pioneer of Rush county, and they hecame the par-
ents of four children, Harvey G., Walter C, Milton and a daughter
who died in infancy. After leaving school Milton Henley evinced
the family predilection for farming and adopted it as his life work.
For some years he farmed in association with his father and brothers,
and at the elder man's death inherited a share of the home farm, the
balance of which he subsequently bought from the other heirs. While
Mr. Henley has operated chiefly as a general farmer, he has special-
ized in Berkshire hogs, and feeds out on an average of seventy ani-
mals yearly, which are shipped to the big markets. Mr. Henley has
140 acres of excellent land. His buildings are substantial and his
equipment complete and modern, and in every way he is a progressive
farmer of up-to-date tendencies. He is unmarried. While not a
politician, he adheres to the principles of the Republican party and
discharges in full the duties of good citizenship. His religious con-
nection is with the Friends church, which he attends at Carthage.
ROBERT W. NIXON, a well-known farmer of Jackson township
and former trustee of that township, was born in Washington town-
ship, this county, on May 4, 1864, and is the son of James R. and
Jane (Abernathy) Nixon. The father was a native of Washington
county, Pennsylvania, whence in early childhood he was brought to
Rush county, where he was reared and educated. During the active
years of his life he followed farming in Washington township, but
later in life he moved to Union township, where he bought 104
acres of land and lived there up to the time of his death. His widow,
who was born and reared in Union township, now lives on this farm.
They became the parents of seven children, of whom four are living,
namely: Robert W, Sallie A., Kate and Lulu. Robert W. Nixon
secured his education in the public schools of Washington township
and was one of the first pupils to attend the Raleigh consolidated
school, which was the first consolidated school in the state. On com-
pleting his studies, Mr. Nixon went to Rnshville and entered the
employ of W. T. Brann & Son, grocers, with whom he remained for
four years. Then, having married, he received from his father-in-law
a gift of thirty-eight acres of land in Jackson township, to which he
at once moved and began its cultivation. He was successful in his
farming operations and bought 122 acres which, together with fifty
additional acres given him by his father-in-law, makes his total hold-
ings 210 acres, all of which lies in Jackson township. In addition to
a general line of farming, Mr. Nixon gives attention to stock raising,
marketing about 100 head of hogs a year. He is thoroughly practical
and up-to-date in all his operations and is numbered among the enter-
prising and influential farmers of his community. On August 27,
1890, Mr. Nixon was married to Cora I. Gartin, who was born in
Jackson township, this county, on May 1. 1866, the daughter of John
G. and Arkansas (Porter) Gartin, both of whom were natives of Rush-
county, where Mr. Gartin followed the vocation of farming during his
active life. He and his wife were the parents of four children, all of
whom are living, namely, Cora I.. Omer G., Audit P. and Edmund N.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 239
To Mr. and Mrs. Nixon has been born one child, Chalmer G., August
12, 1893, who is unmarried and remains at home. Politically, Mr.
Nixon is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and has taken
an active part in local public affairs, having served one term as
trustee of Jackson township, to the entire satisfaction of his con-
stituents. He and his wife are earnest members of the Hannegan
Church of Christ and give their support to every worthy benevolent,
or charitable object.
GEORGE KATSAROS AND MICHAEL KATSAROS, pro-
prietors of an admirable confectionery store at Rushville and broth-
ers, are natives of Argos, Greece, the former born on November 22,
1892, and the latter on September 22, 1891. They received their edu-
cational training in the public schools of their native locality, and in
the days of their youth devoted their energies to the pursuits of
farming. George Katsaros came to the United States in 1909 and
settled at Richmond, Ind., where he secured employment in a confec-
tionery store, and during the nine months that he was there famil-
iarized himself to some extent with the business, as well as with
American customs and the language of his new country. He then
came to Rushville, where he worked at the same business for one year,
at the end of which time the establishment was purchased by his
brother, Michael, who was George's employer until March 1, 1916.
The brothers then formed a partnership that has existed to the present
time, although George then went to Elwood, Ind., where he took
charge of the same kind of an establishment. The demands of the
World war caused his return to Rushville. His brother Michael had
been accepted in the United States service, October 5, 1917, and
George was needed at Rushville to manage the business there.
Michael Katsaros became a member of Company L, Hundred and
Thirtieth Infantry, Thirty-third Division, and was in the service for
two years, serving as a private during which time he saw fifteen
months of overseas duty, and took part in a number of important and
hard-fought engagements. Among his battles were Meuse-Argonne,
September 20 to November 11, 1918 ; Somme- Amiens, with the Aus-
tralian corps, July 6 to August 19 ; Verdun, September 25-26 ; Troyon,
October 23 to November 12;; Chateau d'Aulnois, November 7; and
Marcheville, November 10. After being honorably discharged, with
a splendid record for valiant and faithful service, August 30, 1919,
he returned to Rushville and again took up the business in partner-
ship with his brother. They have developed an excellent trade among
the best people of the city, to whom they are presenting superior
goods and courteous service. The brothers are stalwart Republicans
in their political allegiance, and their religion is that of the Greek
church.
GEORGE H. BELL, a public-spirited citizen of Rush county,
county commissioner-elect and a well-known livery man and horse
dealer at Mays, was born in Center township, this county, on Septem-
ber 23, 1864, and is the son of James H. and Charity (Bell) Bell.
The mother was born on July 31, 1837, and died on February 28,
240 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
1907. James H. Bell, who died in April, 1915, was born on November
19, 1839, in Butler county, Ohio, and came to Rush county at the
age of twenty-three years, spending the remainder of his life here
engaged in farming, in which he was successful. To him and his wife
were born seven children, one of whom died in infancy, the others
being as follows : Albert, born on September 5, 1862 ; George II., the
immediate subject of this review; Hettie; Charles, born on July 12.
1867 ; Hattie and John, born on November 8, 1871. The subject of
this sketch received his education in the public schools of Center
township and after completing his education he devoted himself to
work on his father's farm until 1891, when he engaged in the gas
business for several years. He then returned to Center township and
farmed eighty acres of land which he had bought and which he has
since increased to 160 acres. Here he not only carries on general
farming, but he also gives considerable attention to the raising of live
stock, specializing in horses and hogs. He. feeds out from 400 to 700
hogs a year. About 1900 Mr. Bell moved to Mays and engaged in the
livery business, in which he has been successful, and in connection
with which he buys and sells horses, having handled a large number
of animals in the past fifteen or twenty years. He keeps his farm
well improved and it is among the most productive farms of this
locality. In 1900 Mr. Bell was married to Stella F. Jackson, who was
born and reared in Rush county, the daughter of William and
Amanda (Sherry) Jackson, and they have one child, Helen A., who,
after completing her studies in the school at Mays, is now a student in
Belmont Academy, at Nashville, Tennessee. Politically, Mr. Bell
has been a lifelong supporter of the Republican party and has taken
an active interest in public affairs. At the recent general election
he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners and
will take his seat on the board in 1922. Fraternally, he is a member
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A man of judgment,
sound discretion and good business ability, he has managed his
affairs with tactful success and has so impressed his individuality
upon the community as to gain recognition as one of its leading
citizens.
EMORY J. POWER. Among the farmers of recognized moral
and material worth whose labors have largely helped to develop
the interests of Anderson township, is Emory J. Power, who has
passed his entire life in his present community. Mr. Power was
born in Anderson township, June 29, 1857, a son of John and Mary
A. (Smisor) Power, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter
of Ohio. John Power M'as reared and educated in Kentucky, and
as a young man came to Rush county alone, here marrying Miss
Smisor, who had accompanied her parents to this region. They
settled in Anderson township, where Mr. Power accumulated 140
acres of land, on which he carried on operations until his death in
middle life, in 1858. There were ten children in the family of whom
six are now living: John, Boone, Frank, George, Daniel and Emory.
Emory J. Power received his education in the rural schools of
EMORY J. POWER, WIFE AND DAUGHTER, LAVONNE
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 241
Anderson township, and upon leaving his studies took up farming
on the home place, where he remained until reaching the age of
twenty-one years. At that time he embarked upon an independent
career with the purchase of eighty acres of land, but later disposed
of this propei'ty and bought another farm of 127 acres, which
formed the nucleus for his present property. He now owns 212
acres, all situated in Anderson township, which he has devoted to
general farming and the raising of live stock, feeding about 150
hogs annually. Mr. Power has retired somewhat from active af-
fairs, and since 1919 has been renting a portion of his property.
He has gained his success through honorable methods, and is en-
titled to the esteem and respect in which he is universally held.
Mr. Power maintains an independent attitude upon political ques-
tions and gives the support of his ballot to the man he deems best
fitted for service regardless of party lines. He and the members
of his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Milroy.
Mr. Power married Harriet Allison, daughter of Mrs. Lucy Allison,
and she died leaving two children : Albert, who married Berniee
Sonnebaum ; and Lucy, who married Elmer Harrison and has two
children, Marjorie and Cecil. After the death of his first wife,
Mr. Power married Mary Ellen Spurgeon, daughter of Joseph and
Hester Ann (Layton) Spurgeon, and to this union two children
have been born, Lavonne, who is unmarried and is living on the home
farm, and LeLillie, who died in infancy. Mrs. Power's father,
Joseph Spurgeon, was in his day one of the influential men and
large land owners of Anderson township, a part of his land being
that which constitutes the Power farm, the old Spurgeon home
place. He was born in this county, a member of one of the pioneer
families, and lived here all his life. Joseph Spurgeon was twice
married. By his first wife, Hester Ann Layton, he had two chil-
dren, Mrs. Power and Oscar N. Spurgeon. By his second wife,
Julia Spohn, he had two children, Ira John and Daisy May.
HENRY P. METCALF, M. D., of New Salem, whose career has
been that of a broad-minded, conscientious worker in the sphere to
which his life and energies have been devoted and whose profound
knowledge of his profession has won for him a leading place among
the medical men of this section of the state, is a native son of the old
Blue Grass state, having been born in Garrard county, Kentucky,
on April 18, 1856, and is a son of Adron and Mary (Morgan) Met-
calf, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ken-
tucky. Adron Metcalf remained in his native state until eighteen
years of age, when he moved to Kentucky, locating in Garrard county,
where he followed the vocation of farming. Eventually he bought a
tract of land, which he cleared and developed into a good farm, on
which he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in May,
1913. At one time he was the owner of 1,100 acres of land and he
held a position of considerable prominence and influence in his com-
munity. He was the father of .eleven children, of whom seven are
16
242 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
living, but the subject of this review is the only one living in Indiana.
Henry P. Metcalf received his elementary education in the common
schools of Garrard county, Kentucky, and after completing his studies
he went into a logging camp in eastern Kentucky, where he worked for
two years, hauling logs with ox teams. He then entered the employ of
the Asher Lumber Company, of Ford, Kentucky, where for a year
he worked as timber inspector. The subject then matriculated in the
medical department of the University of Louisville, where, in 1882,
he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He immediately located
at Paint Lick, Kentucky, where he practiced his profession about
four years, and then moved to Richmond, Ky., where he remained until
1894. Doctor Metcalf then came to Indiana and for six years was
engaged in the practice at Mays, Rush county, followed by twelve
years at Andersonville, and then, in 1912, he located in New Salem,
where he now resides. Doctor Metcalf enjoys a large practice, in
which he has been uniformly successful, and he is popular throughout
the community. Doctor Metcalf was married to Savannah Lewis, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Lewis, and they became the par-
ents of eight children, of whom five are now living, namely: Henry
Carter, who served in the United States army in France as a first lieu-
tenant of the Medical Corps, and is now engaged in the practice of
medicine at Connersville, Ind., married Alma Helman and they have
one child, Henry Thomas; George, who also is a physician, also
served a year as first lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the United
States army; he married Arneta Pepper and they have one child,
Philip J. ; Margaret became the wife of Sumner King and they have
one child, Robert Sumner ; Aboline became the wife of William Cloud
and they have one child, Thurman ; Helen is attending school in New
Salem ; John Gilbert and Presshia are deceased and one died in
infancy. Doctor Metcalf is a member of the Rush County Medical
Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical
Association. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, and politically, is a supporter of the Democratic party. He
and his family are identified with the Christian church, of which he
has been an elder. The Doctor is an earnest supporter of every
movement for the advancement of the general welfare.
NATHAN I. PRICE, one of the intelligent contributors to the
development of his community, a substantial farmer of Ripley town-
ship and a member of the board of directors of the Arlington Bank,
and a stockholder in the Bank of Carthage, was born in Posey town-
ship, this county, May 28, 1863, a son of John and Sarah (Leisure)
Price, and his entire life has been passed within the boundaries of
this county, he being at present a large landholder of Ripley town-
ship. John Price was born in 1812 in Fleming county, Kentucky,
where he was reared, educated and trained in farming, and remained
in his native community until reaching the age of thirty-two years,
when he came to Rush county and settled in Posey township, on a
farm which later became known as the Price homestead. Here he
passed the balance of his life in farming, and through industry and
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 243
good management became one of the well-to-do men of his locality.
He married in Rush county, Sarah, daughter of George and Lucinda
(Meyers) Leisure, substantial farming people of Rush county, and
to this union there were born five children, Jane, Nathan I., George
W., Samantha and Basil T., the last three-named being deceased.
Nathan I, Price received his education in the public schools of Posey
township and at Carthage, and as a youth was well drilled in the
science of farming in association with and under the teachings of
his father. In 1886 he was married, and at that time moved to Ripley
township, where he purchased a farm of sixty acres. This proved to
be the nucleus of his present handsome property of 280 acres, all
accumulated through his good management and unremitting industry.
Mr. Price had a modem farm, equipped with substantial buildings and
the last improved equipment of all kinds, and his operations as a
general farmer and stock raiser are conducted in a manner that
leaves no doubt as to his ability and progressive ideas. He has also
been interested in other matters of a business and financial charac-
ter, having been one of the founders of the Arlington Bank, of which
he is a stockholder and director, in addition to being a stockholder in
the Bank of Carthage. In politics he is a supporter of the Democratic
party and has shown some interest in public affairs. In 1914 he was
a candidate of his party for the office of county commissioner. With
his family, he belongs to the Christian church, and his fraternal con-
nection is with the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at
Carthage. In 1886 Mr. Price married Belle Downey, who was born
in Rush county, daughter of Archibald and Sarah Downey, and they
had one child, now Mrs. John Dagler, of Newcastle, Ind. After the
death of his first wife, Nathan I. Price married Mrs. Emma J. Mercer,
of New Salem, Ind.
ELMER E. ELLISON, a successful farmer of Rush county,
whose fine farm is eligibly located in Jackson township, was born in
Rushville township, this county, on January 20, 1862, and is the son
of William J. and Sarah E. (Duke) Ellison. He was educated in
Walker township, attending district school No. 6.. After completing
his schooling, he gave his attention to the cultivation of the home
farm with his father, with whom he remained until his marriage, in
1890, when he rented the home farm and continued to operate it as
a renter until his father's death, at which time the interests of the
heirs was bought up by the subject's brother, Marshall. The subject
then rented the adjoining farm, but three years later he bought eighty
acres of land in Walker township, which he sold about seven years
later at a substantial profit. During the following two years Mr.
Ellison rented and operated one of the Lon Mull farms in Walker
township, but at the end of that period, 1905, he bought the place
where he now lives in Jackson township. His first purchase was 100
acres, to which he added eighty-three acres three years later, and in
1919 he bought seventy-four acres, thus giving him total land hold-
ings of 257 acres. On this land he carries on general farming opera-
tions, raising all the crops common to this locality, and also giving
244 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
attention to live stock, raising about 250 head of the big type Poland
China hogs each year. He keeps his farm well improved and it is now
one of the most productive and attractive farms in Jackson township.
On November 5, 1890, Mr. Ellison was married to Nellie Gardner, who
was born and reared in Walker township, the daughter of Marion
and Margaret (Hurst) Gardner. To Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have been
born three children, namely : John W., who is a farmer in Center
township, Rush county, married Elsie S. Newhouse; Robert M., who
is unmarried and remains at home, and Margaret E., who became
the wife of Clarence E. Ruby, a farmer in Jackson township, and has
one child, Lowell Ellison. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison are earnest members
of the Christian church. Politically, Mr. Ellison gives his support to
the Republican party and for eight continuous years he has served
as a member of the Jackson township advisory board.
DON C. BROOKS, one of the most prominent and prosperous
farmers of Rush county, the owner of 678 acres of valuable land in
Noble, Richland, Union and Rushville townships, is a man of broad
and practical knowledge and of progressive and energetic spirit.
He was born in Noble township, where he now makes his home,
October 28, 1871, son and only child of Mosely and Harriet R.
(Thompson) Brooks, the former a. native of Kentucky and the lat-
ter of Indiana. When Mosely Brooks came to Indiana in 1851, he
located in Noble township, where he farmed for a number of years
and then engaged in the pork-packing business at Laurel, Ind.,
and Cincinnati, Ohio, although he retained his residence in Rush
county all his life, dying here in May, 1873. His widow, who was
his second wife, survived him until 1916. Don C. Brooks was given
good educational advantages, first attending the schools of Noble
township, later Graham Academy at Rushville and then the Rich-
mond (Ind.) Business College. After leaving the latter he returned
home and took up farming, a vocation in which he has since been
engaged with constantly increasing success. He now has 678 acres
in Noble, Rushville, Richland and Union townships, and the greater
part of the improvements thereon, including three complete sets of
buildings, have all been made by himself. He rents out the greater
part of his land, operating 205 acres himself in Noble township, and
feeds out about 100 head of hogs a year. Mr. Brooks is a Repub-
lican. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias lodge at
Rushville and is a member of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church,
of which he was a trustee for a number of years. In April, 1919,
Mr. Brooks married Dorothy E. Roach, daughter of Charles and
Carrie Roach.
EZEKIEL M. JONES, sheriff of Rush county, triumphed over
early disadvantages and won a high place in the confidence and esteem
of his fellow citizens. Mr. Jones was born in Fleming county. Ken-
tucky, March 12, 1863, a son of Thomas J. and Amelia (Freeman)
Jones, natives of the same county, where the father was a country
school teacher during the greater part of his life. The parents died
DON C. BROOKS
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 245
when their son, Ezekiel M., was still a boy. Of their eight children,
five are living: Ella, Robert G., William P., Ben P. and Ezekiel M.
Ezekiel M. Jones acquired somewhat limited educational advantages
in his boyhood, and when still a youth began to make his own way
by working as a hired hand on farms in his native county. He was
but eighteen years of age when he came to Rush county, in 1881, and
here continued to work as a farm hand until 1899, when he enlisted in
the United States army for service in the Philippine Islands, where
he spent two years. Mustered out of the service in 1901, he came back
to Rush county, where he began farming for himself and bought the
eighty-acre tract which he still owns in Ripley township. This he
cultivated until 1918, when he was elected sheriff of Rush county on
the Republican ticket. He has proven a fearless, efficient and con-
scientious official and has established an excellent record in his high
and responsible office. Mr. Jones was married on September 8, 1901,
to Anna Pliehart, who was born and educated in Rush county, daugh-
ter of Hugh S. and Abigail (Beale) Pliehart, the former a native of
Kentucky and the latter of this county. Mr. Pliehart was an agri-
culturist throughout his life, and spent a long period in Posey town-
ship, Rush county, where he was the owner of 300 acres of val-
uable land. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are consistent members of the
Arlington Methodist Church, and Mr. Jones is one of the influential
Republicans of Rush county.
RAYMOND L. BLOUNT, one of the enterprising farmers of
Center township, and a member of the advisory board of that town-
ship, was born in Posey township, Rush county, on March 29, 18S0,
and is the son of Rev. Jacob B. and Josephine (Martindale) Blount,
both of whom were born and reared in Tipton county, Indiana. They
both attended the Northwestern Christian University, now Butler
College, at Indianapolis. The subject's father was a man of strong
character and marked mental ability, held the office of county
superintendent of schools of Rush county for some time during the
70s and '80s and was for years a minister of the Christian church,
for years one of the foremost figures in that communion in this
section of the state. To him and his wife we're born eight children,
six of whom are living, namely: Maude B., Elsie P., Zula M., Ralph
D., Raymond L. and Glenn A. Raymond L. Blount attended the
common schools of Posey and Washington township through the
tenth grade, which was as far as was taught in those schools, and
thereafter he applied himself to work on a farm in Washington town-
ship, which he fanned on the shares for about four years. About this
time he was married and turned his attention to the cultivation of a
farm of forty -six acres which his wife had inherited. To this he
later added by purchase sixty-three acres, making a total acreage of
109 acres in Center township. On this place he carries on general
farming operations and stock raising. In the latter line, he specializes
on the big-type Poland China hogs for breeding purposes, all of his
animals being registered. He is energetic and up-to-date in his
methods and has honestly merited the prosperity which has crowned
246 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
his efforts. On June 18, 1902, Mr. Blount was married to Serena
Rhodes, who was born in Center township. Rush county, on February
16, 1880, and received a good high school education. She is the
daughter of Lewis R. and Elizabeth (Leisure) Rhodes. To Mr. and
Mrs. Blount have been born four children, Gladys, Beulah, Elizabeth
and Mildred. Politically, Mr. Blount is an ardent supporter of the
Democratic party and has taken an active interest in local public
affairs, having served as a member of the township advisory board
during the past two years. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge
No. 99 and Encampment No. 48 of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, at Knightstown. He and his wife are members of the
Center Christian church.
WILLIAM C. MITCHELL, during his lifetime one of the leading
agriculturists of Noble township, was a man of high character and
when he died his community lost a good citizen. He was born in Rush
county and died in Noble township, April 29, 1879. His parents,
Thomas and Amanda Mitchell, were both natives of Kentucky who
came to Rush county at an early day, entering land in Noble town-
ship, on which they lived and reared their family. They were farmers
all their lives and died in Noble township. "William C. Mitchell
attended the schools of Noble township and began working on the
home farm as soon as he was old enough to do so. He continued to
reside on this farm until his demise which occurred seven years after
his marriage. He married Irma, daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth
(Looney) White. Mrs. White was a daughter of Peter and Jane
Looney. Alfred White and his wife were both born in Kentucky,
from which state his parents brought him to Fayette county, Indiana,
and there he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a brick
mason, which he followed all of his life. In young manhood he
located in Rush county, and made the brick and built the residences
of a great many of the people of his day and vicinity, all of which
are still standing, so substantially are they constructed. Mr. and
Mrs. White had two children, namely : Mrs. Mitchell and Peter Nelson,
but the latter is now deceased. Mrs. Mitchell is a member of Little
Flat Rock Christian Church, and is held in high esteem in that congre-
gation. Mr. Mitchell was a Mason and lived up to the highest ideals of
that fraternity.
HENRY G. CONAWAY, who is well and favorably known among
the progressive agriculturists and public-spirited citizens of Rush
county, is the owner of a well-cultivated property situated in Ripley
township. Mr. Con away is a native of Rush county, having been born
on his father's farm in Posey township. February 14. 1868, a son of
John M. and Zenith (Ball) Conaway. His father, a native of Ken-
tucky, came to Rush county in young manhood and here passed the
remainder of his life in the pursuits of farming, becoming the owner
of 240 acres of land. He was a man of general worth, who occupied
a high place in the esteem and confidence of those among whom his
career was passed. He and his wife were the parents of eight chil-
dren, of whom two survive, Leona and Henry <"!. Henry G. Conaway
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 247
received his education in the public schools of Posey township, princi-
pally at the Conaway schoolhouse, so named because of its proximity
to the Conaway home. After completing his studies he began his
farming career as a hand in the fields of the neighboring agricultur-
ists, and continued to be thus employed until his marriage, at which
time he rented the home farm. After one year as a renter from his
father, he moved with Mrs. Conaway to the home of his father-in-law,
William H. Nelson, a tract of eighty acres in the same township, and
there remained for fifteen years, during which time he carried on
operations as a renter. Disposing of his interests, he went to Colorado,
but found conditions there not to his liking and accordingly returned
to Rush county and for about eighteen months made his home at
Arlington. He then secured his present farm of forty acres in
Ripley township, where he has made numerous improvements and has
substantial buildings, high-grade equipment and a good grade of live
stock. He has devoted himself to general farming and his industry
and good management have combined to make his operations a success.
Mrs. Conaway is the owner of 205 acres of valuable land in Posey
township, now being operated by tenants. On December 31, 1891,
Mr. Conaway was united in marriage with Mertie M. Nelson, who was
born in Posey township, daughter of William H. and Elizabeth
(Adams) Nelson. Mr. and Mrs. Conaway are members of the Chris-
tian church, belonging to the congregation at Carthage. Politically a
Republican, Mr. Conaway is a stanch supporter of his party's prin-
ciples, but has not sought the honors of public office, having been con-
tent to express his good citizenship through his co-operation in worthy
civic movements.
CHARLES J. CARON, whose name, in the minds of the people
of Rushville, is indissolubly connected with the manufacture and sale
of candies, ice cream and sweetmeats, has been identified as proprietor
of the Caron Confectionary, now one of the city's thriving enter-
prises, since 1902. Mr. Caron was born at Union City, Ind., Jidy
12, 1868, a son of John and Lydia (Romiser) Caron. John Caron
was born in Darke county, Ohio, and as a young man went to Ran-
dolph county, Indiana, settling at Union City, where he was employed
for many years as a finisher in a furniture factory. Mrs. Caron
was a native of Randolph county, and they were the parents of eight
children, of whom four are living : Peter, Edward, Mary and Charles
J. Charles J. Caron was educated in the parochial schools of Union
City, and on leaving school took up the trade of cabinet-maker, which
he followed for about twenty years. In 1902 he came to Rushville
and opened his present establishment on North Main street, having
now been in the same location for nearly twenty years, although on
several occasions he has found it necessary to rearrange his establish-
ment and to make additions thereto in order to meet with the demands
of a constantly increasing business. He now operates an ice cream
factory with a capacity of 300 gallons daily, and manufactures all the
ice cream which he sells, in addition to making most of the candy
handled in his establishment. He does both a wholesale and retail
24S HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
business, and close study of his business has given him many secrets
of composition which add to the delicacy and piquancy of his products,
which are high in favor with the people of Rushville and the surround-
ing communities. Mr. Caron is a Democrat in politics. He belongs
to the Rushville Rotary Club, and as a fraternalist holds membership
in Rushville Council, No. 764, and fourth degree of Indianapolis
Knights of Columbus ; and Rushville Lodge, No. 1307, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. With his family, he belongs to St. Mary's
Catholic church of Rushville. In June, 1897, Mr. Caron married
Helen Wallace, born at Union City, Ind., and educated in the paro-
chial school there, a daughter of Patrick and Helen (Leary) Wallace,
Mr. Wallace being a road contractor. Eight children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, all of whom are living, James, Edward, John,
William, Catherine, Daisy, Mary and Helen. Four children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Caron : Jerome, who served about fifteen
months as a member of Company K, Thirtieth Infantry, Third Divi-
sion, during the World war and participated in numerous battles,
including Champagne, Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse and
Argonne, and is now associated with his father in business; Lester,
who is also assisting his father in conducting the business; Cyril, who
is taking civil engineering and chemistry courses at Purdue Univer-
sity; and Katherine, who is attending Ursiline Academy, at St. Mar-
tins, Ohio.
CHARLES E. KINCAID, one of the well known and successful
farmers of Richland township, not only has achieved success along
steady lines of action, but has also been deeply interested in the
advancement of the locality. Mr. Kincaid, who operates a splen-
did farm of 240 acres, is a native son of the old Hoosier state, hav-
ing been born in Decatur county on May 17, 1868, and is the son of
John C. and Sarah (Patterson) Kincaid, the former a native of
Decatur county, Indiana, and the latter born in the state of Ken-
tucky. John C. Kincaid was reared to manhood in his native
county, and was there married. After following agricultural pur-
suits there for a number of years, he engaged in the general mer-
cantile business at Clarksburg, which commanded bis attention for
a number of years. He is now living in Kokomo, Ind., where he is
following the carpenter trade. He is descended from sterling old
Kentucky stock, from which state in an early day came his paternal
grandfather, John Kincaid, who entered land in Decatur county
and there spent the remainder of his days. His son, David, father
of John C. Kincaid, also lived and died on that farm. To John C.
and Sarah Kincaid were born fourteen children, of whom eleven
are living, namely: Charles E., Samuel, Nora, Clyde, Bertha, Clin-
ton, John, Cora, Albert, India and William. Charles E. Kincaid
spent his boyhood days on the paternal homestead and received his
education in the schools of that locality. For several years he
was employed in his father's general store at Clarksburg, after
which he bought and for a short time operated a store in Shelby
CHAKLES E. KINCAID
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 249
county. Then, following his marriage, he located on the farm where
he now lives and which lie operated for eleven years. During the
following eight years he operated a hotel and livery barn in Clarks-
burg, at the end of that time returning to his farm, to which he
has continuously since devoted his attention. He also gives con-
siderable attention to the breeding and raising of live stock. Pro-
gressive and up-to-date in his methods, he is considered one of the
most enterprising farmers in Richland township and occupies a
deservedly high position in the esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr.
Kincaid was married to Pearl Moore, the daughter of Jasper and
Mary (Stevens) Moore, and to them have been born two children,
Ralph, who is now pursuing the agricultural course in Purdue
University, and Sanford, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid
are members of the Christian church, while fraternally, Mr. Kin-
caid belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has
attained the degrees of the council, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In political affairs, he gives
his support to the Democratic party and he takes an intelligent
part in all movements for the general welfare. Mrs. Kincaid also
was born in Decatur county, of which her parents for years were
residents. Her father, Jasper Moore, was born in Hamersville,
Ohio, and her mother (Mary Stevens) was born in the vicinity of
Milford, Ky. Following their marriage in Kentucky, Jasper Moore
and his wife came to Indiana and located in Rush county in 1852,
Mr. Moore becoming engaged in farming here. He presently moved
to Cincinnati and was there a number of years engaged in business
with the George Biglow dry goods house, later returning to In-
diana and locating at Clarksburg, where he opened a general store
and continued thus engaged at that place the remainder of his life.
He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom but
two are now living, Mrs. Kincaid and her brother, Rufus S. Moore.
CHARLES R. OLDHAM, one of the successful agriculturists and
respected citizens of Center township, this county, is a native of the
township now honored by his citizenship and was born on December
7, 1859. His parents were James and Levina (Moffitt) Oldham, the
former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Knox county, Ohio.
Both were brought to Rush county in childhood by their respective
parents and were here reared and educated. James Oldham followed
the vocation of farming throughout his active life and from the time
of his marriage until death he lived on the farm now occupied by the
subject of this sketch. He was eighty-one years of age at the time of
his death. He owned 180 acres of land in Center township, Rush
county, and eighty acres in Randolph county, Indiana. To him and
his wife were born eight children, five of whom are living, namely :
Mollie, Ella, Charles R., Lillie and Chester. Charles R, Oldham
received a good practical education, having attended the common
schools of Center township, the school at Mays, and then two years
at Spiceland Academy. On completing his studies he turned his
250 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
attention to farming, devoting his energies to the home farm up to
within a year of his marriage, when he went to Ringgold county, Iowa.
Returning to Rush county a year later, he was married and then for
two years he operated rented land in Center township, but once more
he went to Iowa, where he remained about four years. Returning
to Indiana, he located on rented land in Hancock county, where he
remained for about five years, at the end of which time he bought
eighty acres of land, which he sold three years later. For two years
he rented land, and then bought 100 acres in Center township, which
he still owns. On the death of his father he bought the old homestead
farm, consisting of 180 acres of excellent land and where he now lives,
thus giving him a total of 280 acres of land. Mr. Oldham and his
sons operate all this land and have been rewarded through the years
by a satisfactory measure of success. He carries on general farming
operations and also gives some attention to live stock, feeding about
two carloads of hogs annually. On February 28, 1884, Mr. Oldham
was married to Martha Huddleson, a native of Center township and
the daughter of John J. and Elizabeth (Turner) Huddleson, the
former of whom was a farmer and the owner of 100 acres of land in
Center township. To Mr. and Mrs. Oldham have been born five
children, four of whom are living, namely: Herschel, a farmer in
Center township, who married Nellie Heiner; Ralph; Clarence, and
Ruby, wife of Marion Stoten, of Knightstown, Indiana. Mr. Oldham
is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Spiceland,
Ind., while his political faith is that of the Republican partv.
HARRY E. STAGER, whose fortunes since 1889 have been
identified with Rush county and who at present is the owner of a
well-cultivated property in Ripley township, a community in which
he is held in high esteem, was born at Jonestown, Lebanon county,
Pennsylvania, November 25, 1862, a son of Henry and Mary E.
(Roebuck) Stager. His father, who in early life was a teacher and
later turned his attention to the wood-turner's trade, enlisted during
the early days of the Civil war in an infantry regiment of volunteers
from Pennsylvania, and took part in the battle of Bull Run. Con-
tracting disease while in the service, he returned to his home and there
passed away while still a young man. Harry E. Stager acquired a
public school education at Jonestown, and as a youth learned the
vocation of miller, which he followed for some eighteen years. It
was while he was thus employed that he came to Rush county in
1889, and continued to interest himself in this line for several years
thereafter. He then turned his attention to the creamery business,
and for seven years was successful in conducting the creamery at
Carthage, at the end of that period disposing of his interests and
purchasing his present farm in Ripley township, a tract of ninety-
four, acres which he has continued to cultivate. Mr. Stager is indus-
trious, progressive and enterprising and has combined these qiialities
with good management in a way that has brought him well-merited
success. He has substantial and attractive buildings and modern
equipment and in every way is considered representative of the best
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 251
agricultural element of the community. On March 31, 1891, Mr.
Stager was united in marriage to Sallie R. Gear, who was born at
Carthage, a daughter of Henry and Mary E. (Hill) Gear, well-known
and highly respected farming people of this county. She received
her education in the public schools of Carthage and at Earlham Col-
lege, Richmond, Ind., and is a woman of superior attainments. Two
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stager: Mary Inis, who
married Allen T. Blacklidge, of Rush county, and has one child,
Betty, and Henry G., who is unmarried and assists his father on the
home farm. Mr. Stager, the elder, belongs to the Carthage lodge of the
Masonic fraternity. "With his family, he holds membership in the
Carthage Methodist Church, and in politics he is a Republican.
THEODORE HUMPHREY, a substantial farmer of Richland
township, is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born in
Union county, Indiana, on April 25, 1846, and he is the son of Robert
and Margaret (Crist) Humphrey, both of whom also were natives
of Indiana, the father having been born in Union county and the
mother in Franklin county. On the paternal side the subject is
descended from sterling old Scottish stock, his grandfather having
been John G. Humphrey. Robert Humphrey grew to manhood,
received his early education and was married in his native county.
He followed farming pursuits there until 1848, when he located in
Decatur county, where he bought a farm, to the operation of which
he devoted himself thereafter, excepting one year when he farmed in
Franklin county. He was the owner of 100 acres of land. To him
and his wife were born four children, of whom the only survivors
now are the subject of this sketch and a sister, Amanda. Theodore
Humphrey attended the schools of Decatur county and on attaining
mature years took up farming on the home place, his father having
died some years previously. He remained with his mother until he
was twenty-nine years of age, when he married and came to Rush
county. He first began his farming operations here on rented land,
and so continued for thirteen years. He then bought his first farm
of eighty acres and so successful was he in its operations and so wise
his management that he was enabled to increase his land holdings to
240 acres, all in Richland township. He made many permanent and
substantial improvements on his land, which he devoted to general
agricultural purposes and stock raising, and gained a high reputation
as a progressive and enterprising farmer. He has been retired from
active business pursuits since 1910 and is now enjoying the fruits of
his former years of toil. In 1875 Mr. Humphrey was married to
Elizabeth J. Stephenson, who was born in Anderson township. Rush
county, the daughter of Newton aud Rosanna (Mitchell) Stephenson,
both of whom also were natives of this state. Newton Stephenson
was a farmer by vocation, having farmed on rented land in Anderson
township and also farmed in Tipton and Boone counties, this state.
To him and his wife were born five children, of whom Mrs. Hum-
phrey is now the only survivor. To Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey have
been born four children, namely : Robert, who married Margaret
252 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Diekiuson and has three children, Guy, Bertha and Dale; Grace, a
professional nurse, who was graduated from the Frankfort Hospital,
at Philadelphia, Pa. ; Frank, who married Bessie Brickler and has
two children, Harold and Dorothy; Mattie, who died at the age of
seventeen years. Mr. Humphrey and his family are members of the
Spring Hill United Presbyterian Church of which he is an elder.
Politically, he is a Democrat.
GEORGE W. DARNELL, whose residence in Anderson town-
ship covered a period of about a quarter of a century, was a well-
known farmer and stock raiser and a citizen honored for the con-
scientious discharge of his duties in whatever walk of life he pur-
sued. His death, therefore, December 1, 1910, was sincerely and
generally mourned. Mr. Darnell was born on December 25, 1862,
in Scott county, Kentucky, a son of James and Mary Darnell, both
natives of the Blue Grass state, and farmers who passed their en-
tire lives in Scott county, Kentucky. Of the children of James
Darnell and wife only two came to Rush county, George W. and
his brother, John Darnell, who now resides near Falmouth. George
W. Darnell received his education in the district schools of his
native state, and when his training in this direction had been com-
pleted took up farming as an employe of others. He was past his
majority when he came to Rush county and for a time worked in
the fields as a hand, but at the time of his marriage began farming
on his own account, and two years later located on the property in
Anderson township upon which was spent the balance of his life.
Mr. Darnell was a Democrat, a faithful member of the Christian
church at Milroy, and affiliated with the lodge of the Modern
Woodmen of America. He was united in marriage with Ella Bar-
ton, daughter of James A. and Lucinda (Amos) Barton, and to this
union there were born four children : James Clarence, who mar-
ried Mabel Foster and has four children, Mildred, Kenneth, Mo-
rine and Lorene ; Mary E., who is unmarried ; Clara Barton, who
married John Vansickle and has two children, Dorothy Mae and
Earl; and J. Albert, who is unmarried and resides on the home
farm. Mrs. Darnell was born on the farm on which she now lives,
in Anderson township. Her father, a native of Kentucky, came to
Rush county as a young man, here met and married Mrs. Barton, a
native of Rush county, and passed the rest of his life here in agri-
cultural operations. There were five children in the Barton fam-
ily, of whom two survive : Mrs. Darnell, and Lura, who married
Henry Davis. Mrs. Darnell is a helpful member of the Christian
church at Milroy.
CHARLES B. KENNER is one of the prosperous farmers of
Noble township, who finds it profitable to feed his grain to cattle and
hogs, and is making a success of his agricultural labors. He was born
in Brown county, Ohio, January 31, 1858, son of William L. and Mary
(Bordon) Kenner, both of whom were also born in Ohio. William L.
Kenner was reared, educated and married in his native state. He
GEORGE W. DARNELL
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 253
learned the carpenter trade, and from that went into ship building
work, and in the latter connection went to Covington, Ky., living in
that city from 1858 until 1866 when he came to Rush county, located
in Noble township, and here began farming, alternating work at that
calling with carpentering until his death which occurred in 1872.
His widow survived him until 1890, when she passed away. While he
farmed to quite an extent in Noble township, he rented his land. He
and his wife had nine children, seven of whom survive, namely:
William Taylor, Belle, William Frank, Charles B., Ella, Dan and
Ralph. Charles B. Kenner attended the country schools of Rush
county until old enough to work out as a farm hand in the summer
and a sawmill operator in the winter, and he continued to follow
these two occupations for seven years. At the end of that time he
was married, and then began farming, for twelve years renting
land for that purpose. He and his wife then inherited the home-
stead of 135 acres of land from her father's estate, all of which is in
Noble township, and moved to it, and here they have since resided.
Mr. Kenner raises about forty-five acres of corn and the same amount
of small grain, and feeds it to hogs and cattle, feeding out from 100
to 150 head of hogs annually. All his life he has been a general farmer
and stockraiser and believes that his land is best adapted to the pur-
poses to which he devotes it. Mr. Kenner married Priscilla, daughter
of John S. and Priscilla (Thompson) Looney, and they became the
parents of five children, namely: Ray, who is the eldest; Grace, who
married Harry Armstrong and has two children, Charles Borden and
Robert Allen; Clarence, who married Rhoda Applegate and has one
child, Marcella ; Arthur, who married Bessie Baring ; and Louise, who
is deceased. In politics Mr. Kenner is a Republican and he is a mem-
ber of Little Flat Rock Christian Church.
FRANK HUBER, one of the well-known agriculturists of Center
township, this county, was born in that township on March 12, 1879,
the son of Fred and Katherine (Hoff) Huber, the former a native of
Franklin county, Indiana, and the latter of Dearborn county, Indiana.
The father followed farming all his life, in Center township during
the major poi"tion of this time, being the owner of eighty acres of
land. He and his wife were the parents of five children, all of whom
are living, namely: Claude, Elizabeth, Cora, Mable and Frank. The
last named was educated in the common schools of Center township
and after leaving school turned his attention to agriculture, working
on the home farm up to the time of his marriage. After the latter
event he worked by the month as a farm hand for about a year and
then began to operate rented land, in which method he still continues,
now renting his f ather-in-law 's farm of 100 acres in Center township.
He also owns twenty-five acres of land in that township. He is a
thoroughly practical and painstaking farmer and carries on a general
line of operations, raising all the crops common to this locality. He
also gives due attention to that most valuable adjunct of the up-to-
date farm, live stock, raising about sixty head of hogs a year. He
keeps the place in good repair and is considered a good farmer. In
254 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
1S98 Mr. Huber was married to Elsie Lyons, who was born and reared
in Center township, the daughter of Charles and Florence (Downey)
Lyons, both of whom also are natives of Rush county. Mrs. Lyons
was a cultured and well educated woman, having supplemented her
public school education by attendance at a normal school at Xenia,
Ohio. Mr. Lyons was a farmer and stock-buyer, having bought stock
over much of the surrounding country. He was successful and
owned 125 acres of land in Center township. To him and his wife
were born three children, Blaine, Nellie and Elsie. To Mr. and Mrs.
Huber have been born three children, namely : Pauline, who is the
wife of Clay Shields, a farmer in Center township ; Carroll and Mar-
garet, who are attending school. Politically, Mr. Huber is a stanch
supporter of the Republican party and gives his influence toward the
advancement of every enterprise or movement for the general welfare.
D. D. BALL. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes
not at the caprice of chance, but as the legitimate result of well-applied
energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a definite
course of action. The subject of this sketch sought no royal road to
success, but has followed the well-beaten paths of those who have won
in the battle of life along legitimate lines. As county agent of Rush
county he is today giving a service to the community of inestimable
value and second in importance to no other line of effort. D. D.
Ball was born in Rushville, Ind., on February 11, 1894, and is the
son of James H. and Carrie M. (Overman) Ball, also natives of Rush
county. Here the father was reared and educated and later took up
farming and stock raising. He became a very successful breeder of
Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, and also was extensively
engaged in the grain business here for some years. Several years ago
he moved to Roswell, New Mexico, and later to Enid, Okla., where
he now resides. To him and his wife were born six children, namely :
Myron 0., Donald D., James R., Harold H., Cedric 0. and Florence
H. Donald D. Ball attended the public schools of Rushville up to
the second year in high school, when the family moved to New
Mexico. There he completed his high school course and then entered
Purdue University, where he took the course in agriculture, receiving
his degree from that institution in 1917. Soon afterward he was
appointed county agent for Daviess county, Indiana, filling that
position until 1920, when he was appointed county agent for Rush
county, which position he is now filling to the entire satisfaction of
all who are interested in the advancement and development of better
farming methods and conditions. On February 11, 1919, Mr. Ball
was married to Hazel Plummer, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin
Plummer, and they are the parents of one child, Anna Belle. Mr.
and Mrs. Ball are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church
in Rushville. He is a member of the college fraternities, Delta Tail
and Alpha Zeta. Personally, Mr. Ball is genial and obliging in man-
ner, gives evidence of a thorough knowledge of the subject which he
has made his life work and has created a most excellent impression on
those with whom he has worked or come into contact.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 255
WESLEY S. CATT, a retired farmer of this county now living
at Carthage and who is included among the old and honored citizens
of Rush county who have rounded out more than four score years and
are now passing the evening of life in comfortable retirement, was
born on a farm in the neighboring county of Hancock, a son of Michael
and Matilda (Hatton) Catt, the former a native of Ohio and the latter
of Kentucky. For the greater part of his life Michael Catt followed
farming in Hancock county, where he was well known and highly
esteemed. Wesley S. Catt received his education in the district schools
of that county, after leaving which he worked on the home farm until
reaching the age of twenty-one years. The call for troops for the
Union army called him into the service at that time, and for three
years he fought with the Ninety-ninth regiment, Indiana Volunteer
Infantry, as a private of Company B, establishing an excellent record
as a brave and faithful soldier. Returning from the service with his
honorable discharge, he again located on the home farm, where he
remained until the death of his father, in the meantime having
married. After the elder man's death, Mr. Catt's brother, Jacob
Catt, bought the home place, which in turn was purchased by Wesley
S. Catt, who continued its successful operation until his retirement,
when he located at Carthage. At this time Mr. Catt's son, Noble S.
Catt, owns and operates this property, which consists of eighty acres.
During his career as an agriculturist Mr. Catt proved himself a
capable and progressive farmer and kept fully abreast of the various
advancements made in his calling. He won the esteem and confidence
of his associates, and these qualities he possesses in his full share in
the community in which he now makes his home. On September 1,
1865, Mr. Catt was united in marriage to Mary L. Clark, who was
born in Hancock county, a daughter of James and Mary (West)
Clark, and to this union there were born four children, Pauline, wife
of Hiram Weed, of Elwood, Ind. ; Laura B., wife of Charles Benson,
a farmer of Ripley township, Rush county ; Noble S., who is operating
the farm in Hancock county, and Albert, deceased, formerly a farmer
of Hancock county, who married Katherine Beaver, and had three
children, Irine, Dorothy M. and Mary E. Mr. Catt is a member of
the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge at Carthage, and
in politics is a Democrat. He is a Methodist and holds membership in
the church of that denomination at Willow Branch, Hancock county.
CHARLES M. TROWBRIDGE, one of the most successful
farmers and stock breeders of Rush county, and a well-known citizen
of Center township, is a native son of the county now honored by his
citizenship, having been born in Center township on January 13,
1878, and is the son of James W. and Sarah II. (Gorman) Trow-
bridge, both of whom were born in this county and here spent their
entire lives. James Trowbridge was a farmer by vocation, mostly in
Center township, remaining actively engaged in that work until 1908,
when he retired from active business and moved to Mays, where he
now lives. He is the owner of 114 acres of land in Center township
To him and his wife were born four children, of whom three are
256 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
living, A. Jesse, Charles M. and Herbert G. ; Stella, who was born on
February 27, 1879, died in May, 1916. The subject of this review
received his educational training in the public schools of Center town-
ship, Carthage and Mays. He then engaged in teaching school, but
after one year of this work, he turned his attention to farming, in
which he achieved a pronounced success. He first purchased forty
acres of land in Center township and to this later added another forty
acres, so that his holdings now amount to eighty acres. He has made
many permanent and substantial improvements on the place, which is
now one of the best equipped and most attractive in the township.
Practically all of the buildings have been erected by him, he has
installed an up-to-date electric light plant and has hot and cold
running water throughout the premises where desired. In addition
to carrying on a general line of farming, Mr. Trowbridge gives special
attention to the raising of fancy live stock, especially on pure-blooded
Duroc Jersey hogs, in the breeding and raising of which he has met
with much more than ordinary success, gaining a reputation which
far transcends local boundaries. He raises about 120 head every
year and holds two sales a year. His animals are registered and
most of them go to the Southern states. Mr. Trowbridge's success and
efforts in the handling of pure-bred stock has been recognized in his
election to the presidency of the Indiana Duroc Swine Breeders' Asso-
ciation, in which position he -is now serving. His farm, which is
known as "Woodlawn Stock Farm," has gained a high standing
among the leading farm plants of northern Rush county and Mr.
Trowbridge is considered one of the most enterprising and progres-
sive citizens of his locality. On May 17, 1899, Mr. Trowbridge was
married to Ruby M. Moore, a native of Rush county and the daughter
of James O. and Lucy (Souder) Moore, both also natives of this
county. Mr. Moore was a farmer and owned eighty acres of land in
Posey township. He and his wife had three children. Maude, Ruby
and Jennie, the first-named being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Trow-
bridge have a daughter, Lois M., who was born on November 17, 1908,
and is now attending the Center school. Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge
are members of the Center Christian Church, of which he is a trustee.
In his political views he is a Republican and takes a keen interest in
public events, especially as relating to his county and community.
LARKIN DAVIS, one of the leading citizens of his commu-
nity and eminently entitled to representation in a work of this
character, whose fine farm is located in Richland township, was
born in the neighboring county of Franklin on July 25, 1868, and
is the son of Jefferson and Sarah (Thompson) Davis, the former a
native of Kentucky and the latter of New Jersey. Jefferson Davis
was but a boy when his parents brought their family to Indiana.
They entered iand in Franklin county and established a farm, where
Jefferson was reared to manhood. He was married there and later
he bought a farm of 160 acres in that county and devoted himself
to its operation until about 1880, when he sold out and bought 210
acres of land in Decatur county, along the Rush county line. There
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HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 257
he made his home until a few years prior to his death, from which
time he made his home with his daughter, Nancy, until his death,
which occurred in 1913. His wife had passed away in 1900. They
were the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living,
namely: Jefferson, Mary, Nancy, Monroe, Larkin and John.
Larkin Davis received his educational training in the public schools
of Decatur county and since attaining manhood's years he has con-
tinuously applied himself to agricultural pursuits. He remained
with his father until he had attained his majority, when he rented
land and farmed on his own account for three years. He then
bought the place on which he now lives, his first purchase com-
prising seventy acres, to which he lias since added by purchase,
until he is now the owuer of 110 acres of land, lying in Rush and
Decatur counties. Mr. Davis is an up-to-date and progressive
farmer, adopting modern ideas and maintaining his farm at the
highest standard of excellence. He carries on general farming
operations and also gives some attention to live stock, annually
feeding about seventy-five hogs. On October 2, 1890, Mr. Davis
was married to Lulu Hite, the daughter of George W. and Eliza-
beth Hite, but, after a happy union of almost a quarter of a cen-
tury Mrs. Davis passed away on September 23, 1915. Mr. Davis is
an earnest supporter of the Republican party, and his influence is
always given to the advancement of every movement for the ad-
vancement of the general welfare. Because of his business success
and his consistent life, he has richly earned the high place he occu-
pies in the esteem of the entire community.
LAWRENCE L. ALLEN, a well known grocer at Rushville, who
has been prominently identified with the business life of that city
for years and has spent the most active part of his life in this county,
whose interests he has ever had at heart, is progressive in all that
term implies and yet is straightforward and unassuming in all the
relations of life. Mr. Allen was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on
February 17, 1880, and is the son of William H. and Margaret
(Lovett) Allen. He received a good practical education in the com-
mon and high schools of Greencastle, Indiana, and shortly after leav-
ing school, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, he enlisted
in the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth regiment, Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry, with which he served about ten months. After his discharge
from the army Mr. Allen went to Chicago, where for about five years
he was connected with the grain business. He then came to Rushville
and engaged in the grocery business, with which he has been identified
continuously ever since. He began business in a modest way at his
present location, starting with one boy as a helper, but his business
grew steadily through the years and now he employs seven persons,
runs two delivery wagons and enjoys the largest patronage of any store
of the kind in Rushville. He carries a high grade of goods and
courteous treatment has always characterized his relations with the
public, so that today he stands at the head of the grocerymen of his
17
258 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
community. On March 8, 1904, Mr. Allen was married to Kate W.
i Ihurchill, who was born and reared in Rushville, the daughter of
William and Anna R. (Bush) Churchill. Mrs. Allen is a cultured
and well educated lady, having been a student in Depauw University
at Greencastle, after finishing her high school course here. To Mr.
and Mrs. Allen have been born four children, Churchill, Anna R., lone
and Avis, all of whom are students in the public schools of Rushville.
Politically, Mr. Allen gives his support to the Democratic party and
he sustains fraternal relations with Phoenix Lodge, No. 62, Free and
Accepted Masons, and Rushville Lodge, No. 35, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, as well as Murat Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Indianapolis. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Rushville. Person-
ally, Mr. Allen is intensely interested in everything pertaining to the
advancement of the community, giving his support to every enter-
prise calculated to improve the general welfare.
HERBERT HOLDEN, one of the successfid young farmers of
Noble township, is devoting his time and talents to the cultivation of
his valuable farm of eighty acres and producing his share of the
foodstuffs of the world. He is a native son of Rush county, born on
December 7, "1889, in Richland township, son of Jesse and Lola (Hite)
Holden, also natives of Richland township. Jesse Holden was reared
and educated in Rush county, and here he was married. At the time
of his death he owned 240 acres of valuable land in Noble township.
He and his wife had six children, Bessie. Charles. Herbert. Mabel, and
two who are deceased. Herbert Holden received his educational
training in Noble township, and as soon as he was old enough he began
assisting his parents in operating their farm, remaining at home until
his marriage. At that time he bought forty acres of land to which
he added forty acres more in the fall of 1920. and now has a desirable
property in which he takes considerable pride. On December 13,
1914, Mr. Holden was married to Fannie Mock, daughter of John
and Agnes Mock. Mr. Holden belongs to Little Flat Rock Christian
Church, of which he has been deacon, and in which he for years has
been a prominent factor. Fraternally he maintains membership with
the Knights of Pythias of Rushville. He votes the Democratic ticket.
A hard-working, energetic and thrifty man, Mr. Holden deserves the
success which has already attended him and has a bright future before
him.
LEWIS M. CLARK, a well known and substantial retired farmer
and landowner of Noble township, now living at Rushville, is a native
Hoosier and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a farm
in Bartholomew county, May 27, 1849, son of Leonard and Mary
(Marr) Clark, both of whom also were born in that county, members
of pioneer families there. Leonard Clark and wife were the parents
of eight children, all of whom save two are still living, those besides
the subject of this sketch being Minerva, Alice, Emma, Pink and
Frank. One son, George, died after reaching maturity and one child
died when quite young. Reared on the home farm in Bartholomew
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 259
county, Lewis M. Clark became a farmer on his own account as a
young man and owned a small farm, which he operated until after
his marriage when he came to Rush county and rented a farm from
his father-in-law, Benjamin Frazee. Upon the settlement of the exten-
sive Frazee estate he and his wife received a tract of 500 acres in Noble
township and there made their home until their retirement from the
farm and removal to Rushville, where they now reside, they and their
family being very comfortably situated at 631 North Main street.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Christian church and are
Republicans. Mrs. Clark was born in Noble township, this county,
Madaline Frazee, daughter of Benjamin and Ruth (Thompson) Fra-
zee, the latter of whom was born on April 6, 1835, daughter of Elder
Thompson, a pioneer Christian minister of this county and concern-
ing whom extended reference is made in the chapter on the churches
of Rush county elsewhere in this work. Benjamin Frazee, who in
his generation was regarded as the largest landowner in Rush county,
was a native of Kentucky, born in Bracken county, that state, April
6, 1824, son of James and Catherine (King) Frazee, both of whom
also were born in Kentucky, the former born on March 10, 1SO0, and
the latter, November 13, 1801. "William Frazee came to Indiana with
his family in 1829 and settled in Rush county, where he and his wife
spent their last days, his death occurring here on September 11, 1877,
and hers, February 17, 1S76. Benjamin Frazee was five years of age
when he came to this county with his parents and he grew to man-
hood here, a farmer from the days of his youth. At the age of twenty
be began farming on his own account and in 1851 bought a tract of
forty acres in Noble township, paying for the same $625. This was
the nucleus of his later extensive landholdings, which he gradually
increased until he became the owner of 2,000 acres of land in this
county. It was in 1854 that Benjamin Frazee married Ruth Thomp-
son. To that union were born six children, those besides Mrs. Clark,
who was born on February 6, 1855, being John H., July 22, 1857;
Laura Dell (deceased), August 3, I860; Alice (deceased), December
7, 1862; Catherine, May S, 1869, and James Edward (deceased),
November 15, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have three children, Lewis
Cecil, Elsie and Marie, the latter of whom is the wife of Charles
Offutt, a well known Noble township farmer. Lewis Cecil Clark is
the state agent for the Ben-Hur Life Insurance Company of Missouri.
He married Agnes Hale. Elsie Clark married Dr. N. G. Willis, of
Connersville, Ind., and has two children, Clark and Ruth.
JAMES F. WILSON, a well-known farmer of Noble township,
was born in Ripley county, Indiana, July 25, 1874, son of William
and Margaret (Marsh) Wilson, both of whom were born and reared
in Ripley county. They attended school in that county and were
there married. For some years they remained farming people of that
region, but later moved to California, where they are still interested
in agricultural pursuits. Two children were born to them, James F.
and Louis H. (deceased). James F. Wilson also went to the Ripley
county schools and later began farming, renting his grandfather's
260 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
farm. In 1896 he came to Rush county, and from then until 1918
worked for others, but in that year began farming on his own account
and is now operating 120 acres of land and raising about 125 hogs
annually. Mr. Wilson was married to Mrs. Harriet (Gruell) Wilson,
daughter of Charles and Catherine Gruell and they have two children,
Donald and Robert. By her first marriage Mrs. Wilson had six chil-
dren, Merle, Thelma, Carl, Lowell, Monroe and Roland. Mrs. Wilson
belongs to the Methodist Protestant church of New Salem. In
politics Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, but aside from exercising his right
of suffrage does not take an active part in party matters. He is a
friend of the public schools and the good roads movement and may
be depended upon to give his support to those measures looking toward
an improvement of his home township.
ANDERSON ARMSTRONG has spent his entire life within
the borders of Rush county and his persistent efforts have bene-
fited alike himself and the community. He is the scion of an
excellent old pioneer family and he himself has been a witness to
and a participant in the wonderful progress which has character-
ized this section of the country during his lifetime. Anderson
Armstrong, of Noble township, who is living retired after a long
period of earnest endeavor, was born in that township on August
3, 1847, and is the son of Henry and Amanda (Anderson) Arm-
strong, the former a native of Franklin county, Indiana, and the
latter of Boone county, Kentucky. Henry Armstrong was but
four years of age when his parents brought their family to Rush
county, and here he grew to manhood, securing his education in
the common schools. He followed farming during all his active
years and was eminently successful. To him and his wife were
born six children, Leonidas, Florence Belle, Mo Dell, Pleasant H.,
George Elmer and Anderson. The subject's paternal grandparents
were James and Mary (Lyons) Armstrong, the former a native of
Franklin county, Indiana, and the latter born in Lynn county, North
Carolina. They came to Rush county in 1827, being numbered
among the pioneers of this section of the country, and they en-
tered a tract of land in Noble township. Anderson Armstrong
received his educational training in the public school at New
Salem and he remained on the home farm with his father until
1880, wlien he moved to the farm where he now lives. Two years
later he w r ent to Lawrence county, Missouri, where for thirteen
years he was engaged in farming and stock raising. He then re-
turned to Rush county and again engaged in farming on his pres-
ent place, which comprises fifty-five acres of excellent land, which
he has well improved and maintained at a high standard of agri-
cultural excellence. In addition to general farming, Mr. Arm-
strong also has given special attention to the breeding and raising
of pure-bred Poland China hogs. Industrious and a good manager,
Mr. Armsti'ong has long enjoyed an enviable reputation among his
fellow citizens and stands high among the enterprising farmers of
AXDERSOX ARMSTRONG
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 261
the county. In 1880 Mr. Armstrong was married to Nancy Jane
Reeve, the daughter of Benjamin F. and Elizabeth (Parker)
Reeve. To them have been born four children, namely: Harry B.,
who married Grace Olive Kinner and they have two children,
Charles and Robert; Blanche, who is unmarried, remains at home;
Ralph died on April 9, 1920; Chester died on November 6, 1892.
Mrs. Armstrong was born and reared in the same home in which
she now lives. Her mother was a native of Kentucky, and her
father was born in Virginia, ne.ar the scene of the battle of Bull
Run. He moved from Virginia to Kentucky with his parents and
located in Mason county. He was twice married, first, in Ken-
tucky, to Elizabeth Driskell, to which union were born eight chil-
dren, George W., Francis M., Martha D., Henry C, Sarah D., Mary
E., John B. and Eliza M. After the death of his first wife, Mr.
Reeve married Elizabeth Parker, a daughter of Judge Parker, and
they had three children, Hester, Benjamin F. and Nancy Jane.
Mr. Reeve came to Rush county on March 3, 1833, and settled on
the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong now live and here he
farmed wih success, increasing his land holdings to 360 acres. Mr.
and Mrs. Armstrong are members of the Little Flat Rock Chris-
tian church, to which they give generous support, and in his polit-
ical views Mr. Armstrong is a stanch Republican. He has always
evinced an intelligent interest in all things pertaining to the gen-
eral welfare of the community and is. held in high regard by all
who know him.
LUTHER SUTTON, one of the prominent and successful men
of Center township, was born in the township in which he now lives,
on February 26, 1869, and is the son of Samuel H. and Naomi A.
(Davis) Sutton, the former a native of Center township, Rush county,
and the latter born in Wayne county, Indiana. The father followed
the vocation of farming throughout his active life, dying at the com-
paratively early age of fifty-three years. He was the father of two
children, Nellie and Luther. Luther Sutton received his educational
training in the common schools of Center and Washington townships,
his vacation periods being spent in work on the home farm. He
remained at home until his marriage, when he rented eighty acres of
land in Center township and began farming on his own account. Two
years later he returned to the home farm, where he has remained to
the present time, looking carefully after the interests and welfare
of his mother, who is now eighty years of age. He now rents the
home place of ninety acres and is meeting with a satisfactory measure
of success. He is careful, painstaking and methodical in his opera-
tions and carries on a general line of farming, also raising some live
stock. On October 7, 1896, Mr. Sutton was married to Cora M. Cole,
who was bom in Fayette county, Indiana, the daughter of Jerry G.
and Rosetta (Wooders) Cole, the former of whom was a farmer by
vocation. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom are
living, namely: Alva, Walter. Arthur, Russell. Horace, Mamie and
Cora. To Mr. and Mis. Sutton have been born three children, Lela
262 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
R., Goldie M. and Earl B. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton are earnest members
of the Center Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Sutton gives his
support to no particular party, preferring to vote for those candidates
which meet with his approval, regardless of party lines. Progressive
and enterprising, Mr. Sutton enjoys the confidence and good will of
all who know him.
FRANK C. MOORE, who has long been one of the influential
citizens of Rush county, in which he has spent practically his entire
life and has merited the success which he has achieved and the
enviable position which he holds in the esteem of those who know
him, is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Brown
county, Ohio, on September 27, 1852, and is the son of Thompson and
Mariah (Stephens) Moore, the former a native of Ohio and the latter
of Kentucky. Thompson Moore was reared to manhood in Brown
county, where, on attaining mature years, he followed the vocations
of farming and milling. He was married in that county and remained
there until 1853, when he came to Rush county, Indiana, and located
at New Salem, where he and his father erected a grist and saw mill,
which he operated for about fifteen years. He then sold out and took
up the vocation of farming about one mile south of New Salem, where
he bought 160 acres of land. There he built a home, cleared and
improved the land and continued his farming operations there a
number of years. He then sold out and bought a farm in Tippecanoe
county, this state, but a short time afterward moved to the state of
Kansas, where he bought a farm and spent the remainder of his days.
To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom the survivors
are Fannie, Alfred and Frank C, the immediate subject of this
review. Frank C. Moore received his educational training in the
schools at New Salem, after which he began farming with his father,
with whom he remained until his marriage. He then began farming
on his own account, renting land for a good many years. He was
successful in his operations and then bought forty acres of land, onto
which he moved and farmed that place one year. During the follow-
ing year he rented another farm, at the end of which time he sold his
forty-acre tract and bought 120 acres, which he later increased to
145 acres. He always devoted his efforts to general farming and
stock raising and has uniformly met with a satisfactory measure of
success. Starting in life a poor boy, he has gained his present enviable
position solely through his own efforts and is honored by his associates
because of his achievements. Mr. Moore was married to Lida Hed-
rick, the daughter of John and Mary (Taylor) Hedrick, and to them
have been born eleven children, namely : Nelle, who became the wife of
Frank Cupp and has three children, Clyde, Clarence and Abelena;
Bessie, who became the wife of Louis Barber; Pearl, who became the
wife of Roy Barber and the mother of three children, Merle, Dorothy
and Thomas; Ruth, the wife of Raymond Sefton; Iona, the wife of
Willard Farthing ; Suda ; William, who married Pearl Shaw and has
three children, Frank, Webb and Irene; Webb, Charles, who mar-
ried Lela French and has one child, Paul; Edd, who married Mary
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 263
Barber and has one child, Leonora; George, who married Pauline
Smith and has one child, Arnold E. In his political faith, Mr. Moore
has been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party. William
Moore, above mentioned, is the superintendent of the Oklahoma City
high school and has for the past three years represented the state of
Oklahoma in the annual meeting of the National Education Asso-
ciation.
JESSE HENLEY, trustee of Ripley township and for years one
of the prominent factors in the development of the Carthage neigh-
borhood, a member of one of the first families there, was born in
Ripley township, March 16, 1866, a son of Robert and Mary (Newby)
Henley, natives of North Carolina. Robert Henley was a child when
brought to Rush county by his parents, in 1837, and here grew to
manhood on the farm which his father had entered from the Govern-
ment, in Ripley township. On April 24, 1856, he married Mary
Newby, who had been brought as a child to Rush county in 1832, and
this worthy and highly respected couple passed their lives in Ripley
township, where Robert Henley accumulated a property of 343 acres.
They were the parents of four children : Hiram II., of Rush county ;
Albert, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Pennia Trueblood, of Richmond,
Indiana, and Jesse. Jesse Henley was given good educational advan-
tages in his youth, first attending the schools of Carthage and later
Earlham College, at Richmond, for two years. On leaving college he
secured employment as a bookkeeper in the office of the Rushville
Natural Gas Company, at Rushville, but after one year returned to
Carthage, where he embarked in the lumber business with his brother,
Hiram H., and continued therein until 1908. In that year the partner-
ship was dissolved, Mr. Henley disposing of his interests in the busi-
ness, although still retaining his holdings in the machinery and prop-
erty. He has since interested himself in farming, in which he has
attained much success. His business abilities have been so directed as
to give him high standing in business circles and in the confidence of
those with whom he has been associated. Mr. Henley's services to
his community in official positions have been numerous and valuable.
In 1899 he was elected trustee of Ripley township, a capacity in which
he served for four years, and at the end of that time was appointed
secretary of the board of school directors at Carthage, acting also
in that position for a like period. In 1912 he was appointed to com-
plete the unexpired term of A. 0. Hill, in the office of township
trustee, and in 1914 was elected to that office and again elected in
1918, his term to expire in 1922. On November 20, 1895, Mr. Henley
was united in marriage to Jennie Overman, who was born in Ripley
township and was educated in the schools of Carthage, a daughter of
Oliver P. and Florence L. (Nixon) Overman, natives of Ripley town-
ship. Oliver P. Overman, who was a lifelong farmer, served as a
soldier of the Union for three years during the Civil war. Two
weeks after enlisting as a private in the Sixteenth regiment, Indiana
Volunteer Infantry, he was captured by the enemy, but was later
exchanged and rejoined his comrades in time to go down the Mississ-
264 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
ippi and participate in the siege of Vicksburg. He was a valiant
soldier and in later years a popular comrade of his G. A. R. post.
Mr. and Mrs. Overman were the parents of three children, all living :
Carrie, Jennie and Frank H. Three children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Henley: Mildred F., a graduate of Earlham College, who
is now a teacher in the public schools of Carthage; Mary I., who is
attending Earlham College ; and Ruth Eleanor, who was graduated
from the Carthage high school with the class of 1921. Mr. Henley is
a Republican and he and the members of his family belong to the
Friends Meeting at Carthage.
JAMES W. ANDERSON. It has been the privilege of James
W. Anderson, one of the large land owners of Rush county and a
substantial agriculturist of Anderson and Richland townships, to
realize many of his worthy ambitions and through the exercise of
good judgment and business sagacity wrest from his opportunities
a large measure of success. Mr. Anderson was born on a farm in
Richland township, on August 5, 1874, a son of James W. and
Livonia (Hopkins) Anderson, both natives of the neighboring
county of Decatur. James W. Anderson, the elder, was born at
Greensburg and grew to manhood there, where he received a pub-
lic school education, and was married as a youth of nineteen years.
Following his union he came to Rush county and located in Rich-
land township, where his means being limited, he was not able
to purchase an improved property, but bought instead about 190
acres of timber land. This he set about to clear, a task which he
accomplished, and not only lived to see his land producing large
crops, but to witness his landed holdings increase to 2,000 acres
in Rush county, property in Decatur and Tipton counties and
about 1,400 acres in northern Missouri. With these holdings Mr.
Anderson was the largest landowner of his time in Rush county,
and was known far and wide as a successful trader in farms. His
farming operations were devoted principally to the raising of
mules and hogs, a field in which he met with marked success. His
industry, shrewdness and absolute integrity combined to make him
an important figure in business circles, while the worth and sin-
cerity of his devotion to the principles of good citizenship were
never questioned. He was a member of the official board of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and in his political allegiance sup-
ported the Republican party. Mr. Anderson died on November
29, 1892, and his widow survived until May 26, 1905. They were
the parents of six children, of whom four are now living: S. B.,
Mary E., Lyle H. and James W. James W. Anderson, the youngest,
received his educational training in the public schools of Richland
township, and after leaving school entered upon his duties as one
of his father's assistants on the home farm. After his father's
death he remained on the home place until his marriage, when he
built a modern home on a tract of 144 acres in Anderson township,
Avhere he is now living. For the greater part of his career, Mr. An-
JAMES W. ANDERSON
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 265
derson has farmed with his brother, Lyle IT., and his sister, Mary
E., the three now controlling 700 acres of land. . Mr. Anderson
feeds out about 300 hogs annually and a carload of cattle, and
keeps from thirty to fifty head of mules on his farm. He has a
modern and well-furnished home, ample accommodations for his
stock, and excellent general improvements. He regards farming
as a science, to be studied and improved indefinitely, and takes
great interest in his chosen occupation. In 1915 Mr. Anderson was
united in marriage to Florence Elstun, daughter of Frank and
Emma (Crane) Elstun, and to this union there have been born four
children, Frank William, James Robert, George Donnell and Rush
Elstun. The family holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church at Richland. Mr. Anderson is a member of the lodge of
the Knights of Pythias at Milroy. He gives his support to the
Republican party, and for six years served in the capacity of trustee
of Richland township. He is a broad-minded and progressive man,
well posted on current events, and entertaining sensible opinions
on questions of public interest.
MRS. JANE MORAN, of Rushville, widow of the late Patrick
Moran, is a native daughter of the Emerald Isle, born in County
Galway, but has been a resident of this country and of Rush county
for many years. She was twenty -nine years of age when she came to
the United States from Ireland. After a brief residence at Milford,
Mass., she came to Indiana and took up her residence in Rush county,
where not long afterward she was married to Patrick Moran, also a
native of Ireland, who had become a farmer in this county. After
their marriage she and her husband made their home on the farm,
reared their family there and continued to make that place their
home until their retirement from the farm and removal to Rushville,
where Mr. Moran 's last days were spent and where Mrs. Moran still
lives, having a very pleasant home at 730 North Willow street.
Patrick Moran, who was born in 1835, was but fourteen years of age
when he came to the United States with his parents, the family pro-
ceeding westward to Indiana and settling in Franklin county, where
Patrick received his schooling and grew to manhood. As a young
man he came over into Rush county and bought a tract of eighty
acres in Rushville township. He at once began the development of
this tract and after his marriage to Jane Toolen, made his home
there. He later bought an adjoining "eighty" and thus had a farm
of a quarter of a section which he developed into an excellent piece
of property. Incidental to his farming Mr. Moran became well
known as a road supervisor and it was he who superintended the con-
struction of the Winship pike. He was a Catholic, as is his widow,
earnest members of St. Mary's parish at Rushville, and when the
parish entered upon the task of erecting the new St. Mary's church
it was he who gave security for the loan for the erection of the
edifice. He also was a member of the local council of the Knights of
Columbus and in other ways took an active interest in parish affairs.
It was in 1908 that Mr. Moran retired from the farm and moved to
266 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Rushville, but he did not live long to enjoy the relaxation which he
had justly earned, for his death occurred in the following year, 1909,
he then being seventy-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Moran had
nine children, of whom all are living save two, Patrick and Jane, the
others being Beatrice T., May, Katherine, Elizabeth, Joseph, Nora
and John. Mrs. Moran 's parents were Owen and Nora Toolen, both
born in Ireland.
JOHN W. BEYER, a well-known farmer of Noble township, who
is recognized as a representative citizen of Rush county, was born
in that township, October 3, 1865, son of John and Mary Jane
(Emmett) Bever, natives of Rush county and Ohio, respectively.
John Bever was reared in Noble township where he was educated
and where he spent his life, devoting all of his mature years to farm-
ing and stockraising. He was a son of John and Nancy Bever, both
of whom were born in Kentucky, but migrated to Indiana and settled
in Rush county. The homestead of John Bever contains 160 acres of
land, and he specialized in raising pure-bred Short Horn cattle and
Poland China hogs. Seven children were born to John Bever and
his wife, four of whom survive, "William, Ross, John W. and Lora.
John W. Bever attended the Pinhook school in Noble township, and
after he ended his school days he began farming with his father,
remaining on the home farm until his marriage. Following that event
he started out for himself on rented land, biit after four years as a
renter he was able to receive a fair price for his stock and equipment,
so sold and moved to Anderson, Ind., where for twenty-four years he
was engaged in a decorating business. However, the appeal of the
soil was too strong, and in 1913 he returned to Rush county, locating
on his present farm, where he is carrying on general farming and
stock raising. He grows about thirty-five acres of corn annually which
he feeds to hogs and cattle, having about sixty to seventy head of
the former. Mr. Bever was married to Ida, daughter of William and
Sarah Ann Carney, and they have three children, Arthur. Hazel and
Margaret, the latter of whom married Alton Lentz. Mrs. Bever
belongs to the Christian church. Fraternally, Mr. Bever maintains
membership with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of
Anderson, Ind. He is a strong Republican, but has never been an
office seeker. Upright and hard working, Mr. Bever has deserved
the success which life has brought him, and with this material reward
has come another, equally well-merited, the respect and esteem of his
fellow citizens.
JOHN W. STOTEN, a prominent and well-known citizen of
Center township and one of the creditable representatives of the agri-
cidtural element in Rush county, is a native son of the old Hoosier
state, having been born in Dearborn county on June 6. 1859. He is the
son of James and Hannah (Morgan) Stoten, both of whom were also
natives of Dearborn county. About the year 1864 they brought their
family to Rush county. Seven children came with them and one was
born after their arrival in this county. Mr. Stoten followed farming
here all the remainder of his life and became an influential and
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 267
respected citizen. John W. Stolen was reared on the paternal farm-
stead and secured his educational training in the Farmington and
Hinchman schools. He remained on the home farm, assisting his
father, until about twenty years of age, when he began to work out
as a farm hand, continuing in this way for about five years. Then
he began farming rented land on crop shares, but three years later
he changed to cash rent, on which basis he continued to rent land until
1917, when he bought the place where he now lives, consisting of
sixty acres of land in Center township. He keeps the place in good
repair, raises all the common crops of this locality and also raises
some live stock. On September 7, 1892, Mr. Stoten was married to
Bertie Smelser, a native of Union township, this county, and the
daughter of John P. and Rebecca (Barnes) Smelser, both of whom
were natives of Rush county, where Mr. Smelser followed farming
throughout his active years. Of the seven children who blessed the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Stoten, five are living, namely: Wallace, a
farmer in Posey township, who married Lavonna Ruby and has two
children, Merrill W. and Howard \V. ; Marion, a painter, living in
Knightstown, Ind., who married Ruby Oldham and has one child,
Wendell M. ; Teddy, Donald and Effie ; and Mildred, who died at the
age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Stoten are members of the Center
Christian church. Politically, Mr. Stoten is a stanch supporter of the
Republican party and stands at all times for the best interests of the
community. He possesses many excellent personal qualities and is a
popular member of the circles in which he moves.
JACOB WINFIELD HITE, now living retired at Clarksburg
and who, prior to his retirement, had been engaged for many years
in agricultural pursuits in Richland township, this county, where his
steady industry had gained him success, is a member of an old and
honored family of which further mention is made elsewhere in this
work. He was born on a farm in Richland township, June 10. 1852, a
son of William N. and Sarah (Fisher) Hite, the fonner a native of
Virginia and the latter of Clermont county, Ohio. The Richland
township schools furnished Mr. Hite with his early educational train-
ing, following which he pursued a course at Richland Academy, and
then took up farming in association with his father. He was one of
the elder man 's assistants until 1879, when he was married, and in the
establishment of his own home rented a part of the property on which
he had been born. After spending five years as a renter, he pur-
chased a part of the home place, consisting of 135 acres, and during
the active period of his career increased his holdings to 240 acres, all
in Richland township. Mr. Hite demonstrated his ability as a general
farmer and raiser of live stock, and frequently fed out as many as
150 hogs annually. He retired from active pursuits in 1916, and
two years later removed to Clarksburg, where he has since made
his home, occupying a comfortable modern residence. Mr. Hite mar-
ried Allie M., daughter of Eliza Hood, and to this union there have
been born three children, Bertha, who married Fred Goddard and
has two children, Alice and Anna ; Nina, who married John Sidebot-
268 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
torn and has three children, Carter, Winfield and Marjorie; and Wil-
bur. Mr. and Mrs. Hite are members of the Christian church and have
supported its movements generously. He is a blue lodge Mason, and
in his political adherence is a Democrat. Mr. Hite has gained pros-
perity and esteem while pursuing his industrious and well-directed
career, during which he has not only set an example of practical,
intelligent farming, but of public-spirited citizenship.
W. R. VANSICKLE, a progressive farmer and stockman of
Anderson township, this county, owns what is probably one of
the finest herds of registered Jersey cattle in this part of the state.
Mr. Vansickle was born in Anderson township on May 7, 1877, a
son of John and Margaret Vansickle, the former of whom was born
in Madison county and the latter in Dearborn county, Indiana.
John Vansickle was young when his parents moved to Rush county
and settled near Rushville. He was a farmer in this county until
1897 when he retired, moved to Decatur county and still lives
there. Of his eight children three survive, Albert, W. R. and Ben,
of whom W. R. Vansickle is the only one living in Rush county.
In boyhood W. R. Vansickle attended school in Anderson town-
ship, then worked as a farmer for six years in the township, and
after that was engaged in the livery business at Milroy for two
years. Upon returning to agricultural life he rented his present,
farm of 132 acres, then belonging to the late William Bowles,
which he conducts largely as a stock farm. Mr. Vansickle is justly
proud of his herd of twenty-six registered Jersey cattle, with the
registered bull "Wildoos-Plymouth Lad" at the head, and is doing
well his part toward upholding the prestige of Rush county as a
fine stock center. On March 19, 1895, Mr. Vansickle married
Grace Smith, daughter of George W. and Mary A. Smith. He is
a member of the Masonic lodge at Milroy and of the lodges of the
Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows at that place, having
"passed the chair" in the last named organization. He is a Re-
publican and hearty in his support of the policies he deems best and
wisest for the country.
WILLIAM BOWLES, who is mentioned above and who in his
generation was one of the best known residents of Rush county
and the owner of an excellent piece of property, part of which is
now owned by W. R. Vansickle, in Anderson township, was a na-
tive of Harrison county, Kentucky, but had resided in Rush county
since the days of his boyhood. Mr. Bowles was the son of Robert
Bowles and was but a child when he came here from Kentucky
with his parents, the family locating in Anderson township, where
he received his schooling and in time became one of the prominent
figures of that community. He started out as a poor boy, with no
special advantages, but his energy and foresight counted in the
race and he died possessed of more than 400 acres of land. Mr.
Bowles was widely known as a trader and his investments were
made with wise discrimination. He died in February, 1904, and at
his passing left a good memory.
WILLIAM BOWLES
W. R. VAXSICKLL
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 269
LUTHER G. RENEGAR, included among the agriculturists of
Rush county, a prosperous husbandman of Ripley township, and a
resident of Rush county since boyhood, is a native of North Carolina,
having been born in Yadkin county, that state, August 23, 1877, a
son of Moses and Alice (McDaniels) Renegar, who were born in the
same state. The parents came to Rush county when their son, Luther
G., was a child, and for years were well-known and highly respected
residents of Jackson township. The mother died on April 18, 1918, and
the father now resides in North Carolina. They were the parents of
eleven children, Luther G., Betty, Arthur, Lelah (deceased), Irvin,
Leonard, Samuel, Harvey, Grace, Russell and Irene. The district
schools of Jackson township and Shelby county furnished Luther
G. Renegar with his educational training, and after completing his
studies he began farming as a hand in the fields. He continued thus
employed until his marriage, when he commenced his independent
career, first as a renter. After renting for nine years, during which
time he conserved his means carefully, he invested his savings in his
present property, a tract of seventy-eight acres situated in Ripley
township, not far from Carthage. Here he has made numerous im-
provements, having repaired all the buildings and put up entire new
fencing, in addition to installing much up-to-date equipment. He is
progressive in his views and operations, keeps fully abreast of the
advancements being made in his vocation and is accounted a capable
agriculturist and an excellent judge of live stock. His activities as
a general farmer are extensive and as a breeder of live stock he ships
about 125 head of hogs each year. On August 23, 1905, Mr. Renegar
married Myrtle Aldridge, who was born in Tipton county, Indiana,
and was brought to Rush county at the age of two years and here
educated in the public schools. Her parents, natives of Rush county,
attended the Locust Grove schoolhouse and were engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits throughout their lives. They were the parents of six
children, of whom four are living : Walter, Minnie, Homer, and Bert
(deceased), Myrtle and Shirley. Mr. and Mrs. Renegar have two
children, Donald L., born on April 25, 1907, and Roy A., July 18, 1909,
both now attending the Walnut Ridge school. Mr. and Mrs. Renegar
are members of the Methodist church at Carthage, the movements of
which they support liberally. Politically, Mr. Renegar is a Republi-
can, although he is not a politican and has not sought preferment at
the hands of his party or his fellow citizens. As a fraternalist he
holds membership in Ivy Lodge, No. 27, Knights of Pythias, at
Rushville.
WILLIAM 0. PRAZEE, of Rushville, owner of a farm just south
of town and well known throughout the community, is a native son of
Rush county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in
Washington township on April 19, 1852, son of John and Mary Jane
(Caldwell) Prazee, the latter of whom also was born in Indiana,
member of one of the old families of the neighboring county of
Fayette. John Frazee was a native of the Buckeye state, born in
Butler county, Ohio, who came over into Indiana with his parents in
270 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
the days of his boyhood, the family locating in Payette county where
he grew to manhood and became engaged in farming. In 1846, not
long after his marriage he came over into Rush county and bought a
quarter of a section of land in Washington township, where he estab-
lished his home and where he spent the remainder of his life, one of
the best known and most influential residents of that community. For
eight years John Frazee served as justice of the peace in and for
"Washington township and as "Squire" Frazee was widely known
throughout that part of the county. He and his wife were the parents
of ten children, of whom but four now survive, those besides the sub-
ject of this biographical narrative being Felix, Fannie and Louis W.
Reared on the home farm in Washington township, William 0. Frazee
received his schooling in the excellent schools of that neighborhood and
as a young man became engaged in farming on the place, renting the
farm from his father and directing its operation, and for twelve years
was thus engaged. In 1896 he moved from that place to another
farm, but eighteen months later disposed of his farming interests and
moved to Rushville, where he became engaged in the livery business.
This did not prove to his liking, however, and eighteen months later
he sold his livery barn and bought a farm of seventy-two acres in
Rushville township, which place he presently sold and then bought an
"eighty" of the old home place in Washington township and there
re-established his home, remaining there until he sold out and returned
to the vicinity of Rushville, buying the eighty-acre farm which he now
owns south of town. On this place there is a gravel pit of apparently
inexhaustible dimensions from which since 1912 Mr. Frazee has sold
about 30,000 yards of excellent gravel. It was in 1895 that William
O. Frazee was united in marriage to Emma L. Stewart, daughter
of John S. and Margaret Stewart, and to this union one child has been
born, a daughter, Elsie M., who married Paul Newhouse. Mr. and
Mrs. Frazee are members of the United Presbyterian church and have
ever taken a warm interest in the work of the church, Mr. Frazee for
years having been a member of the board of trustees of the church.
Politically Mr. Frazee is a Democrat, but reserves the right to vote
independently should the needs of the occasion seem to warrant in his
estimation of the needs of good government.
JOHN HEATON, who for many years was connected with the
agricultural life of Rush county, is now living in honorable retirement
in Noble township where he is held in high esteem. He was born on
the farm that is still his home, on April 13, 1846, son of Joseph and
Elizabeth (Armstrong) Heaton, natives of Noble township and Flem-
ing county, Kentucky, respectively. When he was about three years
old Joseph Heaton was brought to Rush county by his parents, John
and Hester (Jarvis) Heaton, who settled in Noble township in 1822,
at which time they entered land from the Government. Here they
passed the remainder of their lives, and were always engaged in farm-
ing. Joseph Heaton was reared in Noble township where he received
his schooling as well as his practical training as a farmer under his
father's watchful supervision. Marrying in this township, he here
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 271
began farming, at first in a small way, and while attending to his own
land he also worked out by the day in order to secure some ready
money. As he could he kept on baying land until at one time he
owned 305 acres, and he continued to live on his farm until his death,
January 10, 1901. His wife died in December, 1891. They had six
children, James, Salena, John, Thomas, Sanford and Oscar. John
Heaton attended the local schools of Noble township, and after he had
completed his schooling he began to farm, remaining on the home-
stead both before and after his marriage. He continued to work in
partnership with his father until the latter 's death, and then secured
the home farm of 130 acres, where he has since continued to live, and
where until his retirement he carried on a general line of farming,
being quite successful in his operations. Mr. Heaton married Mary
Conner, daughter of Thomas and Phoebe (Ryker) Conner, and they
have two children, Bert and Vonnie Belle. Bert Heaton married
Anna C. George and has two children, Mary and Robert. Vonnie
Belle Heaton married Carl "Wilson and has three children, Harold.
Dorothy and Catherine Louise. Bert Heaton and his wife belong to
Little Flat Rock Christian Church and he has been an elder, deacon
and Sunday school superintendent of the same. His political convic-
tions make Mr. Heaton a Democrat, A quiet, hard-working and
thrifty man Mr. Heaton has always done what he considered to be
his duty toward his family, church and community, and his present
prosperity has been fairly earned through legitimate effort.
W. RILEY RHODES, a well known farmer of Center township,
is the scion of one of the old and respected families of the northern
part of Rush county, his paternal grandfather having entered land
here in an early day, and he has spent his entire life within the bor-
ders of this county. By persistent industry, good management and
clean living, he has attained not only material success, but also the
confidence and respect of the entire community. Mr. Rhodes was
born in Center township, this county, on February 6, 1866, and is
the son of Lewis R. and Elizabeth J. (Leisure) Rhodes, the former a
native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. Lewis R. Rhodes was
brought to Rush county by his parents when four years of age, the
trip being made in the typical overland wagons of that early day.
He received such education as was possible to obtain in the primitive
log-cabin schools of the day and his youthful years were spent in the
work of the home farm, for his father had entered eighty acres of
land in Center township. Here he remained up to the time of his
marriage, when he began farming on his own account. For awhile
he operated the home farm on the shares, but eventually he bought the
place from his father. He was prospered in his business affairs and
at one time was the owner of 400 acres of land in Center township. To
himself and wife were born eight children, five of whom are living,
namely : W. Riley, Frank, Noah, Serena and Cora. W. Riley Rhodes
was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the
Center school. He took an active part in the operation of the home
farm, remaining with his father until 1899, when he located where lie
272 HISTOEY OF RUSH COUNTY
now lives, a place comprising eighty-five acres, which he farmed in
partnership with his father until the latter 's death. He then inherited
this tract, and also bought forty acres adjoining, thus giving him
125 acres all in one body. Here he carries on general farming opera-
tions, and also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, feeding
about 100 head of hogs a year. He has made many substantial im-
provements on the place and is considered an up-to-date and progres-
sive farmer. On February 15, 1899, Mr. Rhodes was married to
Hattie Sears, who was born in Henry county, Indiana, the daughter of
James W. and Mary E. (Emmons) Sears, both of whom were born
and reared in Henry county. Mr. Sears was for many years a black-
smith at Spiceland. Four of their eight children are living, namely:
Eva, Walton, Oscar and Hattie. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have a daughter,
Myrle V., born on December 12, 1901, who was educated at Center
school, being a graduate of the high school. On June 6, 1920, she
became the wife of Ralph Moffitt, a farmer in Center township. Po-
litically, Mr. Rhodes gives his support to the Democratic party. Per-
sonally, he is genial and unassuming and enjoys to a marked degree
the good will and esteem of all who know him.
EDWARD A. FARTHING, former trustee of Richland town-
ship and former township assessor, and who, after a life of energy
and usefulness, is now retired from active labor and enjoying the
fruits of his former years of activity, was born in Franklin county,
Indiana, on May 10, 1856, and is the youngest of the three children
born to his parents, William Alfred and Grabella (Hite) Farthing.
The paternal grandfather, Edward Farthing, who was a native of
Rockbridge county, Virginia, came to Indiana in an early day, be-
coming one of the pioneer settlers of Franklin county, where he
entered a large tract of land and there spent the remainder of his
days. William A. Farthing, who was born in Rush county, grew to
manhood in Franklin county, was married there. After the latter
event he located on a small farm in that county, but several years
later he moved to Howard county, Indiana, where he bought eighty
acres of land and devoted himself to its cultivation. He was suc-
cessful and gradually increased his land holdings there to 250 acres.
He remained in Howard county until 1873, when he disposed of his
holdings there and, coming to Rush county, bought the land where
his son, Edward, now lives, the entire tract then comprising 234
acres. Here he conducted general farming and stock raising, with
considerable success, until his retirement, when he moved to Clarks-
burg, where he lived until going to make his home with his daugh-
ter near Indianapolis, where his death occurred in January, 1902.
He was a man of active and industrious habits, keen and sagacious
in his dealings and at one time was the owner of 284 acres of land.
His wife died in June, 1897. They became the parents of three
children, namely: Omer, of Indianapolis; Ella, deceased, and Ed-
ward A. Edward A. Farthing was reared on the paternal farm-
steads and received his education in the public schools of Howard
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 273
and Rush counties. After completing his studies, he farmed for a
while with his father, later renting a part of his father's land in
this county. After the latter retired from active labor and moved
to Clarksburg, the subject rented the entire farm of 234 acres,
which he operated until 1898, when the land was divided among the
children, and since that time Mr. Farthing has operated the land
belonging to himself and his deceased sister's estate. He has been
successful in his operations and is numbered among the progressive
and enterprising agriculturists of his section of the county. Mr.
Farthing was married to Gertrude Dobbyns, the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas Dobbyns, and to that union were born two chil-
dren, Berney, who married Luverne Davis, and Willard, who mar-
ried lone Moore. Mrs. Farthing died on April 17, 1918. Mr.
Farthing has always been an ardent supporter of the Republican
party, and has been active in his participation in public affairs,
having served one term of four years as trustee of Richland town-
ship and a six-year term as assessor. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church, of which he formerly was an elder, and is keenly inter-
ested in every movement calculated to advance or promote the
public welfare.
LEWIS E. HITE, whose career is an expression of well-directed
and intelligent industry and of devotion to the best interests of the
community, has passed his life in Rush and Decatur coiinties, in both
of which he is the owner of land which has come to him through the
exercise of thrift, good management and business sagacity. Mr. Hite
was born on a farm in Richland township, Rush county, September
7, 1849, a son of William N. and Sarah (Fisher) Hite, the former a
native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. William N. Hite learned the
trade of blacksmith in his native state, and came to Indiana as a young
man, becoming an early settler of Richland township, where he entered
land from the Government. While gradually getting his land into
condition for crops, he worked at his trade in the little shop which
he had erected on one corner of his land, but as his operations as a
general farmer and stock feeder grew to large proportions, he gave
less and less attention to blacksmithing and finally abandoned that
trade altogether. When his original eighty acres were cleared, he
began to add to his holdings, and at one time was the owner of 460
acres of good land, all located in Richland township, where lie was
known as a substantial general farmer and feeder of hogs and cattle.
His life in this township was passed on the same farm that had been
his original home, and there his death occurred on September 27,
1896, when he was eighty-five years of age. Mrs. Hite, who was
born in Ohio and came to Indiana in young womanhood, survived
him until October 2, 1913, and was also in advanced years at the
time of her demise. They were the parents of ten children, of whom
six are now living, David F., Lewis E., Winfield, Eliza Jane, Irene
and Lola. Lewis E. Hite secured the advantages to be obtained by
attendance at the district schools of his day in Richland township,
18
274 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
after leaving which he began to assist his father in the hard work of
clearing and cultivating the home farm. He remained with the elder
man until the time of his marriage, when he embarked upon a career
of his own, buying ninety acres of land in Richland township, which
he increased by industry and good business management to 202 acres,
lying in Rush and Decatur counties. He has always been a general
farmer and stock raiser and his efforts have been attended by success.
Mr. Hite married Mary Elizabeth Miller, who died leaving three
sons : Edgar E., who married Eva Cartmel and has one child, lone ;
Albert, who married Cora Dunham and has two children, Edwin and
Mary Alice; and Carlos Clair, who is unmarried and resides with his
father, whose assistant he is. After the death of his first wife, Mr.
Hite married Mrs. Clara (Gross) Bowman. Mr. and Mrs. Hite are
members of the Christian church, of which he was formerly treasurer
and is at present a member of the board of trustees. His political
allegiance is with the Democratic party, but he has avoided the thorny
paths of the office-seeker, contenting himself with the casting of
an intelligent vote. A man of sterling general worth, he is respected
by all with whom he is associated, and presents, in the extent of his
success, an example worthy of emulation by the youth of the rising
generation.
HERBERT W. CHAPPELL, an energetic and progressive young
farmer of Ripley township and the owner of a well-cultivated and
valuable piece of property, has passed his entire life in Ripley town-
ship, where he was born on April 11, 1895, son and only child of John
W. and Marcia (Binford) Chappell, the former a native of North Caro-
lina and the latter of Rush county. John W. Chappell came to Rush
county from the Old North state in young manhood, and here spent
the rest of his life in farming. While he did not reach advanced
years, he profited through his native industry and good management,
and at the time of his death was the owner of 114 acres of Ripley
township and the possessor of a well-established reputation for
honesty, fair dealing and good citizenship. Herbert W. Chappell was
given excellent educational advantages in his youth. He first attended
the public schools of Walnut Ridge, and after his graduation from
the. high school there and at Carthage was sent to Earlham College,
where he spent two years. Having decided upon a career in agri-
culture, he next took a short course in that vocation at Purdue Uni-
versity, leaving that institution in order to take over the management
of the home farm several years after his father's death. He conducted
this for himself and his mother until the latter 's demise, when he
became the owner of the land. The Chappell farm is one of the model
properties of Ripley township, upon which there are improvements
of the most modern character, the buildings including a new resi-
dence and barn built by Herbert W. Chappell in 1917. In addition
to carrying on general farming he has been successful in his stock
raising activities, and is shipping about seventy head of hogs to the
big markets every year. Mr. Chappell is unmarried. He is a mem-
ber of the Walnut Ridge Friends Meeting. In political matters Mr.
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 275
Chappell takes an independent stand, preferring to rely upon his
own judgment in his choice of candidates and issues rather than to
party dicta.
LUCIEN B. OSBORN, a well known farmer of Rushville town-
ship now living retired in Rushville, was born in Union county, this
state, but has been a resident of this county most of his life. He
was born on July 25, 1849, son of Larkin and May (Howell) Osbom,
both of whom spent their last days in this county. Larkin Osborn was
a native of Kentucky who came up into Indiana from the Blue Grass
state in the days of his young manhood and settled in the neighborhood
of Fairfield, where he married and where he remained until in 1851
when he came to Rush county with his family and bought a farm of
225 acres two miles south of town in Rushville township. In addition
to his general farming Larkin Osborn engaged quite extensively in
the raising of live stock, with particular attention to hogs, and
developed a fine piece of property on his farm. On that place he
spent his last days. He and his wife were the parents of eight chil-
dren, three of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch having
two brothers, Theodore and Lewis, the former of whom also is a resi-
dent of Rushville township. Lucien B. Osborn grew on the farm and
received his schooling at the Sugar Orove school. He was but four-
teen years of age when his father died and he thus early began to
assume mature responsibilities, he and his brother Theodore operating
the home farm after their father's death. After his marriage Mr.
Osborn bought a farm of sixty-nine acres west of town and there
made his home for about three years, at the end of which time he
sold that place and moved to Shelby county, where he bought a farm
of seventy-nine acres. On this latter place he made his home for
sixteen years and then returned to Rush county and bought back
his old farm west of Rushville and again established his home there.
As his affairs prospered Mr. Osborn added to his holdings until he
became the owner of a fine farm of 102 acres, all under cultivation,
and on this place he continued to make his home until his retirement
from the farm and removal to Rushville, where he and his family are
very comfortably situated. Though retired from the active labors of
the farm Mr. Osborn continues to take a supervisory interest in the
place and is still quite extensively engaged in the raising of hogs,
with which he has had much success. It was in 1880 that Lucien B.
Osborn was united in marriage to Harvina Gruell, who was born in
this county, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Young) Gruell, both of
whom also were born in Indiana, the former in the vicinity of Water-
loo. Isaac Gruell came to Rush county with his parents in the days
of his youth, the family locating on a farm west of Rushville where
he grew to manhood. After his marriage he established his home in
that same vicinity and there spent the remainder of his life. In addi-
tion to his general farming Isaac Gruell carried on a wide practice as
a veterinary surgeon and was widely known throughout this and
neighboring counties. He and his wife were the parents of eleven
children, of whom seven still survive, those besides Mrs. Osborn being
276 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Charles, George, Laban, Newton, Samuel and Jennie. To Mr. and
Mrs. Osborn three children have been born, Bert, Fred and Jennie.
Bert Osborn has been twice married. His first wife, Lavon Hilligoss,
died, leaving him one child, Lowell, and he then married Myrtle
Smith, by whom he has two children, John and Thomas. Fred Osborn
married Beatrice Austin and has one child, Wilma Mae. Jennie
Osborn married Chase Cross and has three children, Ollie, Mary Ellen
and Anna Belle. Mr. Osborn is a Republican. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist church.
CHARLES V. SPENCER, vice-president of the Farmers' Fed-
eration of Rush county, whose splendid farm is located in Rich-
land township, and who has spent practically all of his life in this
county, is descended from sterling old Scottish ancestry, his pater-
nal grandfather, John Spencer, who was born and reared in Scot-
land, having come to this country in an early day. He became ar-
dently identified with the then new republic and fought for this
country in the War of 1812. Among his children was Rodrick
Spencer, who was born in Butler county, Ohio. While the latter
was still but a lad, the family moved to Franklin county, Indiana,
where he was reared to manhood, and where he was married to
Mary Masters, a native of Pennsylvania. He became employed as a
farm hand, but at the same time he seriously took up the study of
surveying and civil engineering, in wiiich he became accomplished
and in which he was engaged to a greater or less extent during
most of his active years. Some time after his marriage he moved
to Metamora, Ind., where he was employed as a clerk and book-
keeper, but subsequently he located near Spring Hill, Decatur
county, 'and for several years was engaged in teaching school in
that vicinity. Several years later Mr. Spencer came to Rush county
and located in Richland township, where he bought eighty acres of
farm land, to the operation of which he gave his attention. He
also gave considerable attention to civil engineering and for twen-
ty-four years he served officially as surveyor of Rush county. A
few years prior to his death he was elected county assessor, serving
about six years, and then, because of the failure of his health, he
retired from active life and spent the remainder of his days quietly
on his farm. He had been successful in his business affairs and
had accumulated an estate of 200 acres, all in Richland township.
In addition to general farming, he also had given considerable
attention to the raising of live stock, and he held a high rank
among the successful agriculturists and public spirited citizens of
Rush county. To him and his wife were born five children, of
whom two are now living, John L. and Charles V. Charles V.
Spencer was reared on the paternal farmstead and received his
educational training in the public schools of Richland township.
After completing his studies he turned his attention to farming,
renting from bis father a part of the home farm. In 1895 he re-
ceived from his father 120 acres of the farm and he has devoted
|w^ i
I ^fl
CHARLES V. SPENCEE
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 277
his attention to farming continuously since. He has achieved a
notable success as an agriculturist and has increased his land hold-
ings to 390 acres, all of which lies in Richland township. Mr.
Spencer also gives serious attention to the raising and feeding of
live stock, feeding from 400 to 500 hogs and about two carloads of
cattle a year. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and
no citizen of Richland township occupies a higher place in general
esteem than does he. In addition to his agricultural operations,
Mr. Spencer is also actively identified with several strong financial
institutions in this section of the state, having taken an active part
in the organization of the Clarksburg State Bank, of which he has
served as president since 1912, and he also assisted in the organ-
ization of the Broad Ripple State Bank. In 1920 he was elected
vice-president of the Farmers' Federation of Rush county, and is
now serving his second term in that capacity. Mr. Spencer was
married to Mary Margaret Logan, the daughter of Hugh and Cath-
erine Logan, and they are the parents of one child, a son, Howard
L. Spencer, who is now a student in the high school at Clarksburg.
Mr. Spencer and his family are active members of the Presbyterian
church, of which he is now serving as treasurer. Politically, he is a
Democrat, and fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Ac-
cepted Masons.
JOHN E. KIRKPATRICK, one of the progressive agriculturists
of Center township, this county, has performed well his part in life
and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to say that this locality is
honored in his citizenship. Mr. Kirkpatrick was born in Center town-
ship on the 4th day of September, 1866, and is the son of James B.
and Malinda M. (Newhouse) Kirkpatrick, both of whom also were
born and reared in Rush county, the father in Union township and
the mother in Jackson township. James Kirkpatrick followed agri-
cultural pursuits throughout his active life, mostly in Center town-
ship, where he became the owner of 500 acres of farm land. To him
and his wife were born eight children, five of whom are living, namely :
Samuel D., William B., John E., Mary and Amanda. John E. Kirk-
patrick received his educational training in the Carter school in Center
township, and after completing his studies he devoted himself to work
on the home farm, remaining with his father imtil his marriage, when
he began farming on his own account, locating on the farm where he
now lives and which now comprises 165 acres of land. He first
started in as a renter, but later bought thirty-five acres, the remainder
of the land coming to him as an inheritance. Mr. Kirkpatrick has
made fine improvements on the place, including new buildings and
his farm is now one of the best improved and most attractive in this
community. He carries on a general line of farming and raises about
150 hogs a year. On January 12, 1886, Mr. Kirkpatrick was married
to Flora M. Sample, who was born in Marion county, Indiana, but
who received her education in the Ball school in Center township, her
parents, Asa E. and Sarah A. (Ketley) Sample, having moved to
278 HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY
Rush county when she was nine years of age. To Mr. and Mrs.
Kirkpatrick was born a son, Lewis M., on November 23, 1S96. He
attended the Center township common schools, graduated from the
Rushville high school, and was then a student for three years in
agriculture at Purdue University, at Lafayette, Ind. On Sep-
tember 1, 1918, he enlisted in the United States service at Rushville
and a few days later was sent to Purdue, going first into the Auto
Mechanics' Corps, from which he was transferred to the Motor Trans-
port Corps. He was graduated from the Transport Training School
at Purdue on October 31, 1918, and on November 27, 1918, was pro-
moted to the rank of corporal. After being held at Purdue for two
months, he was sent to Fort Sheridan, where he remained for six
weeks, and on December 16, 1918, he was transferred to Fort Wingate,
New Mexico, where he remained up to the time of his death, which
occtirred on April 13, 1919, after an illness of one week. His body
was brought back to his home and now lies in East Hill cemetery,
Rushville. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick are members of the Center
Christian Church and give their support to all worthy benevolent and
charitable objects. Politically, Mr. Kirkpatrick gives his support to
the Democratic party. He possesses many splendid qualities of head
and heart and enjoys the confidence and esteem of those about him.
BIRNIE BEAVER is one of the industrious and reliable farmers
of Noble township, classed with the rising generation of agriculturists,
who are acknowledged to be as broad and scientific in their methods
and as fruitful in valuable results to the community as the workers
in any other branch of modern industry. In the field of agriculture
it has often happened that the fathers and grandfathers have secured
the broad and fertile tracts of land which the sons and grandsons have
brought to their full capacity of productiveness. The rough, pre-
liminary labors of the pioneers are as necessary as the developing
work of the after generations; all combine for the general advance-
ment of the wonderful agricultural interests of the country. Mr.
Beaver was born in Rushville township, Rush county, -June 25, 1888,
a son of Morrison and Florence (McGrew) Beaver. He received his
education in Noble township, where he was taken as a child, and on
leaving school his appreciation of land tillage waned temporarily, and
he sought release from the ceaseless round of duties on his father's
farm as an apprentice to a drop forger, at Newcastle, Ind. However,
after following that vocation for eight and one-half years, he returned
to the home place and resumed agricultural activities, and at the
present time is farming 160 acres of his father's which he has brought
to a high state of cultivation, in addition to twenty-five acres which
he rents. He has about fifty to 100 acres in corn and thirty- five
acres in small grain, and feeds out about 200 hogs a year. Mr.
Beaver is progressive in his methods and energetic in his work, and
is steadily forging his way to a place among the substantial men of
his township. He is a Republican. Mr. Beaver married Alicedell
Jay, and they are the parents of two children, Florence L. and
George Morrison.
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 279
LYLE H. ANDERSON, a practical and zealous farmer of Rich-
land township, and one who for many years has promoted the best
interests of the community, was born on the farm which he now
occupies, May 26, 1871, a son of James W. and Livonia (Hopkins)
Anderson, the former born at Greensburg and the latter near Kings-
ton, Ind. James W. Anderson was born on March 24, 1832, and grew
to manhood in Decatur county, Indiana, being nineteen years of age
when he married the seventeen-year-old Livonia Hopkins, who was
born on January 20, 1834. Shortly following their marriage, Mr.
and Mrs. Anderson came to Rush county, where the former bought
190 acres of timber land. This he transformed through industrious
labor into productive farming property, and subsequently became a
prominent and successful trader in land, increasing his own holdings
to 2,000 acres in Rush county, other lands in Decatur and Tipton
counties and about 1,400 acres in northern Missouri. He was said to
have been the largest landholder in Rush county during his day, and
in his farming operations also was widely known as a dealer in hogs
and mules. In all of his operations he was guided by high business
principles and his community knew him as a man of sound and sub-
stantial worth. He was a member of the official board of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, and in his political allegiance was a Republican.
Mr. Anderson died on November 29, 1892, and his widow survived
until May 26, 1905. They were the parents of six children, of whom
four survive: Alice, who married William Winship and died in 1908;
S. Bernie, a resident of Rushville township ; Mary E., who resides on
the old home place ; John, who died in infancy ; Lyle H. ; and James
W., on the home farm. The educational training of Lyle H. Ander-
son was acquired in the public schools of Richland township, and upon
leaving school he devoted himself to farming on the home place, in
association with his father. At the elder man's death, the sons
assumed the responsibilities attendant upon the cultivation of the large
property on which the home was situated, and for some years Lyle H.
Anderson has been associated with his brother, James W., and his
sister, Mary E., in the ownership and operation of 700 acres of land.
About 500 hogs annually are fed out, and cattle by the car load, and
some fifty or more mules are kept on the place, on which the improve-
ments are modern and the buildings substantial and attractive. Mr.
Anderson is unmarried. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, of which he was a steward for some years, and has been a
subscriber to religious and educational movements as well as to those
enterprises which have been promulgated by public-spirited citizens.
His political belief makes him a Republican.
JAMES M. BROOKS, a well-known farmer of Ripley township,
and an honored veteran of the Civil war, is a native son of Rush
county, his birth having occurred in Ripley township, on February
28, 1848, his parents being Robert and Ellen (Templeton) Brooks.
the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. Robert
Brooks was a young man when he went to Ohio, and there met and
married Ellen Templeton, the couple subsequently coming to Indiana
280 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
and locating in Ripley township, this county. Here the father
entered 160 acres of land from the United States Government, and
was engaged in farming thereon during the remainder of his life. A
man of industry, he developed a valuable property, and by reason
of his integrity and good citizenship won a high place in the esteem
and confidence of the people of his community. He and his wife,
who like her husband was held in the highest respect, were the parents
of three children, of whom only James M. now survives. James M.
Brooks was educated in Ripley township, where he attended the
Walnut Ridge schoolhouse. Leaving school at the age of fifteen years,
he presented himself for enrollment as a soldier of the Union army,
and in 1863 was accepted as a private of Company E, Ninth regiment,
Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, an organization of which he was a member
until after the close of the Civil war. Mr. Brooks participated in
numerous hard-fought engagements during the last two years of the
conflict, among them being Franklin, Nashville, Springhill and Sugar
Creek. He received his honorable discharge at the close of the war
and was mustered out of the service in August, 1865. On the com-
pletion of his military duties, Mr. Brooks returned to the home farm
where he was associated in agricultural operations with his father
until his marriage. He then began farming on his own account, as
a renter, and was thus engaged for about five years. His wife then
inherited sixty acres of land, in Ripley township, and on this Mr.
Brooks has continued to be engaged in general farming and stock rais
ing to the present. On August 10, 1872, Mr. Brooks was united in
marriage to Mai-y E. Woodley, who also was born in Ripley township,
daughter of Isaac and Mary (Cloyd) Woodley. natives of North
Carolina, who for many years were engaged in agricultural pursuits in
Rush county, where they were well known and highly respected by
all. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks: Frank;
Alice, who is married ; Albert, who is married ; Fred ; Walter ; Charles,
who is married; Roy, married; and Hallie and Benjamin. With his
family, Mr. Brooks has been an active member of the Friends
church for many years, attending at Walnut Ridge, and in politics
is a stanch Republican. He is one of the popular members of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and it is needless to add that his are
among the most interesting of the reminiscences of Civil war time
which enliven the annual campfires.
WILLIAM R. MARTIN, a well known and substantial farmer
and land owner of Union township and former trustee of that
township, is not a native son of Rush county but lias been a resident
here for more than twenty years and has come to regard himself
as much a part of the community as though "native and to the
manner born," and takes as deep an interest in community affairs
as though all his life had been spent here. He was born on a farm
in Union county, this state, January 16, 1867, son of Samuel and
Mary (Lafuze) Martin, the latter of whom also was born in that
county, a member of one of the old families there, and both of
whom spent their last days in that county. Samuel Martin was
WILLIAM R. MARTIN
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 281
born over the state line in Preble county, Ohio, a son of Austin
Martin, a Virginian, who had been a resident of Ohio since the
days of his young manhood. When Samuel Martin was about five
years old his parents moved over into Indiana with their family
and located in Union county, where they spent the remainder of
their lives, developing there a good farm. Samuel Martin took up
farming in his turn and after his marriage to Mary Lafuze estab-
lished his home on a farm in his home county and continued that
vocation the rest of his life, becoming the owner of an excellent
farm of 195 acres. His wife died in 1907 and he did not long sur-
vive her, his death occurring in 1909. They were the parents of
six children, of whom five are still living, those besides the sub-
ject of this sketch being Charles 0., Oscar B., Walter M. and Sam-
uel L. William R. Martin was reared on the home farm in Union
county and received his schooling in the neighborhood schools.
When twenty-one years of age he bought a team and began farm-
ing on his own account, renting a piece of land nearby, and con-
tinued as a renter for about four years, at the end of which time he
bought a tract of 100 acres in Brownsville township, Union county,
and, having married meanwhile, established his home there. Mr.
Martin remained in Union county until 1900 when he disposed of
his interests there and came over into Rush county and bought a
120-acre farm in Union township, where he remained until 1910,
in which year he moved to the eighty-acre tract on which he is now
living in that same township, erected on that place the modern
house in which he is living and has since continued to make that
place his home, he and his family being very comfortably and pleas-
antly situated. As his affairs prospered Mr. Martin added to his
land holdings from time to time until he became the owner of 572
acres in Rush and Fayette counties, but has since disposed of a
portion of this land and now has 280 acres, all in this county save
an "eighty" over in Fayette. Mr. Martin is farming 200 acres
and in addition to his general farming feeds out about 150 head of
hogs a year. His place is admirably improved, the farm plant be-
ing well equipped and up-to-date, and everything is "ship-shape,"
he long having been recognized as one of the consequential farm-
ers of that section. In 1889, while living in Union county, William
R. Martin was united in marriage to Ollie R. Leab, daughter of
Emanuel and Sabra (Clevinger) Leab, and to this union four chil-
dren have been born, namely: Fred E., who married Lillian Rea
and has two children, Janet and Alice Ruth ; Orville S., who mar-
ried Ruth Laughlin and has one child, a daughter, Ellen Jane;
Thomas O, who married Ocie Kirkpatrick and has one child, Alvin
Noel, and Ruth, who is at home with her parents. The Martins
have a very pleasant home on rural mail route No. 10 out of Rush-
ville and take an interested and hospitable part in the community's
general social activities. They are Republicans and give proper
attention to local political affairs, Mr. Martin having served for
282 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
six years (1909-15) as trustee of Union township. Mr. and Mrs.
Martin are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fal-
mouth and Mr. Martin has served as a member of the board of
trustees of the church. Mr. Martin is a York Rite Mason, a mem-
ber of the blue lodge at Rushville and the Rushville Commandery,
Knights Templar, and is also a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple,
Indianapolis.
JAMES MADISON ("MAT") BEVER, who maintains a high
standing among the substantial farmers of Noble township, where he
is the owner of a fine farm of eighty-two acres, has devoted his
entire life to agricultural pursuits, in which his ability and industry
have enabled him to achieve success. Mr. Bever, more familiarly
known among his many friends and acquaintances as "Mat" Bever,
was born in Noble township. May 28, 1870, a son of James and Harriet
(Emmett) Bever, both natives of Rush county. James Bever. who
was an agriculturist in Rush county throughout a long and industrious
life, started in a small way but through inherent capability and per-
sistent endeavor achieved marked success in his operations, and at
the time of his death in October, 1897, was the owner of 415 acres of
land and occupied a high place in the esteem and respect of his
fellow-citizens. His widow, who survives him, is a highly regarded
resident of New Salem. Mat Bever received his education in the
country schools of Noble township, and after leaving school engaged
in farming in association with his father. At the latter 's death he
embarked in operations on his own account, and now carries on gen-
eral farming and stock raising on his well -cultivated farm of eighty-
two acres, lying in a favored locality in Noble township. He has
made numerous improvements on this property which now presents
an attractive appearance, with substantial buildings and modern
equipment. Mr. Bever is accounted an experienced and capable man
in his business, and feeds out from eighty to 100 hogs per year. Mr.
Bever married Jennie Smith, daughter of David Smith, and to this
union there have been born three children : Mayme. who married
John Hedrick and has two children. Harold and Maurice; Ruth, who
married Elmer Ryan and has one child, Donald; and Gladys. Mr.
and Mrs. Bever and their children are members of the United Breth-
ren church. In politics he is a Republican, although be has taken
no particularly active part in public affairs and has not cared for
public office or preferment.
AUGUSTUS WILLIAM WILKINSON, proprietor of an up-to-
date bakery plant at Rushville and one of the enterprising and pro-
gressive business men of that city, is a native of the Blue Grass state,
but lias been a resident of Rushville since the days of his boyhood.
He was born in Spencer county, Kentucky, January 6, 1871, son of
Dr. L. P. and Matilda L. (Summers) Wilkinson, both natives of North
Carolina, whose last days were spent in Rushville. Dr. L. P. Wilkin-
son, who for years practiced the dental profession at Rushville, was
educated for the medical profession and for a time practiced that
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 283
profession in Kentucky, to which state he had gone upon becoming
equipped for practice in North Carolina, but later became more
attracted to the dental branch of surgery and as a dentist spent the
rest of his life. He was married in Kentucky and remained there
until about 1880, when he came to Indiana with his family and located
at Rushville, where he opened an office for the practice of dentistry
and there spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife were
the parents of seven children, of whom four are still living, those
besides the subject of this sketch being Stillwell, of Rushville; Rosa
B., of Brownstown, and Sally, of Medora. A. W. Wilkinson was
seven years of age when he came with his parents from Kentucky to
Indiana and his schooling was completed in the Rushville high school.
Not long after coming here he entered the bakery of J. W. Carnine at
Rushville and in that establishment learned the baker's trade, which
he later followed as a "journeyman" until 1911, when he opened an
establishment of his own at Rushville, equipping the same with up-to-
date appliances for effective operation, and from the very start has
made a success of the business. Mr. Wilkinson knows the value of
modern equipment and not long ago renewed his plant with machin-
ery of the most up-to-date character, with a capacity of 3,000 loaves
daily, and has now the only retail bakery in the city and is doing an
excellent business, his progressive methods recommending the prod-
ucts of his ovens to a discriminating and growing trade in and about
Rushville. In 1895 A. W. Wilkinson was united in marriage to Daisy
Mae Wilson, daughter of John W. Wilson, and to this union three
children have been born, John W., Gertrude and Lillian Pauline.
John W. Wilkinson is an efficient aid to his father in the operation
of the extensive Wilkinson bakery plant and Miss Gertrude Wilkinson
is a teacher of commercial forms in the high school at Connersville.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson are members of the Christian church and Mr.
Wilkinson is a deacon in the same. He also is a Royal Arch Mason
and has been "through the chairs" in the local lodge of the Knights
of Pythias. Politically, he is a Republican and has ever given a good
citizen's attention to local civic affairs.
HARRY T. MILLER, who is conspicuous among the enterprising
farmers and stock raisers of Noble township, has succeeded in his
chosen life work through the qualities of persistence, sound judgment
and honorable dealings, which have earned for him the esteem of the
entire community. Harry T. Miller is a native son of Rush comity,
having been born in Richland township on October 28. 1886, and he
is the son of Eliphilet and Mollie Miller. He is indebted to the com-
mon schools of Richland township for his educational training and
after completing his studies he took employment as a farm hand for
six years in that community. During the following four years he
cultivated a farm of ninety-four acres in Richland township, and
then he moved to Noble township, where he rented a farm of 240 acres.
Two years later he located on the farm where he now resides, com-
prising 175 acrs, and here he is farming with a gratifying measure of
success. He carries on general farming, raising all the crops common
284 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
to the locality, and he also feeds about 200 hogs annually. lie
is thorough and methodical and is up-to-date in his ideas relative
to farming. Mr. Miller was married to Sylvia Walker, daughter of
Daniel and Belle (Kennedy) Walker, and they are the parents of
three children, Donald, Dorothy and Gladys. Mrs. Miller, who is a
native of Rush county, is a lady of many estimable qualities of char-
acter and is a popular member of the circles in which she moves.
Politically, Mr. Miller is a Republican.
FRED GODDARD, trustee of Richland township and a sub-
stantial land owner of that township, was born in Clinton town-
ship, Decatur county, Indiana, on November 18, 1880. His paternal
grandparents were John and Louisa (Miller) Goddard, natives of
Kentucky, who came overland to Decatur county, Indiana, settling
in Clinton township, where he bought a tract of land and devoted
the remainder of his active years to its cultivation and improve-
ment. Among their children was a son, Oliver, who was born and
reared to manhood in Decatur county, and who married Anna Wel-
linger, a native of New Jersey. Oliver Goddard gave his attention
to farming on the old homestead until after his marriage, when he
rented other land and so continued until 1883, when he bought his
first farm, comprising 104 acres. He was successful in his opera-
tions and at one time was the owner of 640 acres of good farm
land. He devoted himself to general farming and stock raising
until 1914, when he retired from active business pursuits and moved
to Greensburg. To him and his wife were born seven children, of
whom six are now living, namely : Fred, Margaret, Henry, Robert,
Oliver, Jr., and Benjamin. Fred Goddard received his educational
training in the public schools of Clinton township, Decatur county,
and after leaving school he assisted his father in the operation of
the home farm until he was twenty-three years of age, at which time
he was married. He then engaged in farming on his own account,
renting 210 acres of land in Clinton township, to which he devoted
his attention during the ensuing nine years. In 1912 Mr. Goddard
bought the place which he now occupies in Richland township, and
onto which he moved the following year. His first purchase was
seventy-eight acres, to which he later added by purchase until he
is now the owner of 162 acres. He has made a number of perma-
nent improvements to the place, including an attractive and con-
veniently arranged house, barn and other necessary farm buildings,
the general appearance of the place indicating him to be a man of
sound practical ideas and discriminating judgment. Mr. Goddard
has met with success in the handling of live stock and feeds about
120 head of hogs and a carload of cattle each year. He also gives
close attention to the breeding of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs,
his stock commanding above average prices. Mr. Goddard was
married to Bertha May Hite, the daughter of Jacob W. and Alice
(Hood) Hite, and their union has been blessed in the birth of two
daughters, Alice and Anna, both of whom are attending school.
FRED GODDARD
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 285
Mr. Goddard and his family are members of the Presbyterian
church, in the work of which they take an active part, and Mr.
Goddard is a trustee of the church. He has always given his sup-
port to the Republican party and is now serving his first term as
trustee of Richland township. A man of good business qualifica-
tions and accurate judgment, he is proving a good public official
and enjoys the esteem of the entire community. A lifelong resi-
dent of this section of the state, he has been a witness to and a par-
ticipant in the splendid development which has characterized this
locality and because of his life and labors has earned his position
among the leading farmers and influential citizens of Rush county.
J. LEVI LORD, M. D., who for nearly a quarter of a century
has been practicing medicine at Mays, this county, is a native son of
the county now honored by his citizenship. He was born in Posey
township on December 10, 1858, the son of James J. and Sarah
(Billings) Lord, the former of whom was born in Kent county, Dela-
ware, on October 11, 1828, and the latter born in Butler county, Ohio,
on January 4, 1837. They were brought to Rush comity in their child-
hood and received their education in the schools of this county, their
marriage taking place in Jackson township on October 11, 1855. Here
Mr. Lord followed farming pursuits and became a man of prominence
and influence. To him and his wife were born seven children, of
whom four are now living, Doctor Lord having a brother, William A.
Lord, and two sisters, Mrs. Lily J. Lawson, and Mrs. Harriet L.
Leisure. The deceased children of this family were Francis 0. Lord,
who became a substantial farmer of the eastern part of Howard
county, this state, and who died on April 9, 1921, in his fifty-ninth
year, and Ann and Elsworth, who died in infancy. Doctor Lord
received his elementary education in the public schools of Howard
county, Indiana, whither his parents had moved in 1860 but when
nineteen years old (in 1877) he returned to Rush county and made
his home with his uncle, Henry Lord, who assisted him in the comple-
tion of his education. He attended the Rushville high school, where
he was under the instructions of David M. Graham as superintend-
ent and Mrs. R. A. Moffitt, principal. Then he taught four terms of
school in Union township, this county. Having determined to devote
his life to the practice of medicine, he matriculated in the Medical
College of Indiana, at Indianapolis, and graduated on March 1, 1882.
Doctor Lord first engaged in the active practice of his profession at
Point Isabel, Grant county, Indiana, where he remained nearly five
years. He then moved to Marion, Ind., where for eleven years he
was numbered among the active and successful doctors of the com-
munity. During this period he served two years as coroner of Grant
county, his commission bearing the signature of Governor Isaac P.
Gray. While living at Marion Doctor Lord owned an interest in a
drug store. The Doctor has always taken a keen interest in political,
religious and educational matters and was one of the first advocates
of the establishment of the normal college at Marion. He remained
in the latter city until 1898, when he returned to Rush county and
286 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
entered upon the practice at Mays, where he has since remained and
where he has built up a large and representative patronage. Doctor
Lord is a careful reader of the best professional literature, keeping
himself in touch with the age in latest discoveries pertaining to the
healing art, and his practice covers a wide radius of surrounding
country. On March 14, 1883, Doctor Lord was married to Queen V.
Hamilton, who was born in Rush county on July 31, 1861, the daugh-
ter of Francis and Elizabeth (McManus) Hamilton, both of whom were
natives of Rush county. These parents had two children, Queen V.
and Mary B. Doctor and Mrs. Lord have three children, all of whom
are married and have established homes of their own, as follows :
Charles W., a farmer in Washington township, who married Jennie C.
Hamilton and has two children, Beatrice J. and Norman K. ; Clarence
H., a farmer in Center township, who married Leila Mull and has
one child, Francis R. ; and Ralph H., now engaged in the mercantile
business at Dunreith, Ind., who married Leonora Pickett and has two
children, Helen M. and Rosemary. While Ralph Lord was a student
in the public schools, he was the winner of five consecutive medals in
oratoi-ical contests given under the auspices of the Woman 's Christian
Temperance Union. Politically, Doctor Lord is independent, reserv-
ing the right to vote in accordance with the dictates of his own judg-
ment. Fraternally, he belongs to the Tribe of Ben-Hur at Marion,
Ind., and the Improved Order of Red Men at Mays. He is an earnest
member of the Center Christian Church near Mays, and gives his
support to all worthy benevolent movements as well as to all enter-
prises for the advancement of the general welfare. During the time
of America's participation in the World war, Doctor Lord volun-
teered his services in behalf of the medical corps and was enrolled for
service on November 9, 1918.
WALTER E. PATTON, classed among the leading representa-
tives of farming and stock raising in Richland township, where he
is carrying on extensive and successful operations on a tract of 280
acres, is a member of a substantial and well-known agricultural fam-
ily, and his entire life has been passed in the atmosphere of the
country. Mr. Patton was born in the neighboring county of Decatur,
December 24, 1875, a son of Samuel R. and Mary E. (Humes) Patton.
His father was born at Richland, Rush county, and attended Richland
Academy, shortly after leaving which he enlisted for service during
the Civil war, as a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh
regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three
years and participated in a number of important engagements. Upon
receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Indiana and located
at Greensburg, Decatur county, where for about a year he conducted
a general store. Subsequently he located on a farm near Spring
Hill, in the same county, which he had purchased from his father, and
continued to cultivate that land until 1879, when he sold out and
came to Rush county, locating on a farm of 280 acres in Richland
township. Mr. Patton was a man of education and ability, and was
frequently called upon to serve his fellow citizens in responsible
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 287
public offices. For two terms he was trustee of Richland township
and for a period of nine years acted as a member of the board of
Rush county commissioners. Mr. Patton married Mary E. Humes,
who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and they became the par-
ents of seven children, of whom five are living, C. 0., Harry B., John
E., Walter E., and Elma. Walter E. Patton secured his education in
the schools of Richland township, after leaving which he took up farm-
ing with his father and remained at home until the elder man's
death in 1903. At that time, Walter E. Patton and his brother, H. B.,
took over the home place of 280 acres, which they have since operated.
Mr. Patton has kept his farm well improved, and has centered his
activities in general farming and stock raising. He now has from
100 to 125 acres in corn and eighty acres of wheat, and feeds out
about 300 hogs per year and two carloads of cattle. In addition he
always keeps a large bunch of mules on his place. He is a man of
energy, capability and reliability, and stands high in the esteem of
his associates and the confidence of all with whom he has come into
contact. In September, 1903, Mr. Patton was united in marriage to
Elsie O. Marshall, daughter of John S. and Cora (LaRue) Marshall,
of Franklin county, and to this union there has been born one child,
a daughter, Pauline, who is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Patton
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Richland. He is a
Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Milroy, and his political views
cause him to support the candidates of the Republican party.
ADOLPHUS T. MAHIN, superintendent of the city light and
water plant at Rushville, was born in Walker township, this county,
May 4, 1857. His parents were William E. and Elizabeth (Hodge)
Mahin, both of whom were born in Rush county and reared and
educated in Walker township. William E. Mahin grew up on his
father's farm and when prepared to begin farming for himself,
bought eighty acres of land in Walker township, paying $8 an acre
for a part of it that now commands a price of $250 an acre. He
followed agricultural pursuits all his life and at the time of death
owned 160 acres in Walker township. There were six children in the
family and all are living: Alpheus E., of Connersville, Ind. ; Charles
W., a minister, residing in Oklahoma; Addie, of Greencastle, Ind.;
Melvina, of Kokomo, Ind. ; Sarah, of Elwood, Ind. ; and Adolphus T.
The last named after enjoying public school privileges in Walker
township, attended Holbrook College, at Lebanon, Ohio, and later
the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, from which institution he
was graduated. For the past twenty-two years Mr. Mahin has been
identified with the electric light plant at Rushville. The initial
installation was in 1892 and by 1894 the plant, the second municipal
plant in the state, was in first class order. For four years the plant
was located near the C. I. & W. railroad tracks, removal then being
made to its present situation, when a water plant was installed.
These utilities have been enlarged to about five times the original
area, the present capacity of the three engines in use amounting to
1,051 horse power. The electric plant of 855 horse power, has 804
288 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
connections for light and heat, and there are 1,320 water connections
for domestic and commercial purposes, water being pumped by electric
power from ten driven wells. The success of this great public enter-
prise is largely due to Superintendent A. T. Mahin, who has devoted
himself closely and effectively to the affairs of the city light and
water plant since 1907, prior to which time for six years he had been
district manager for the Central Union Telephone Company, with
headquarters at Connersville, Ind. On September 8, 1876, Mr. Mahin
married Josephine Fouche, who was born in Tipton county, Indiana,
a daughter of James B. Fouche. The father of Mrs. Mahin followed
milling in both Tipton and Rush counties, for fifteen years being
engaged in that industry at Rushville, during which time he lost one
mill by fire but immediately rebuilt. Of his eight children the fol-
lowing are living : Wilbur T. and Mattie, both of Indianapolis ; Frank
E., of West Baden, Ind. ; and Mrs. Mahin, of Rushville. Mr. and Mrs.
Mahin have four children, Maxwell E., Howard, Florence and Mar-
garet R., all of whom have domestic circles of their own except the
youngest daughter, who resides with her parents. Maxwell E. Mahin
is a farmer in Fayette county, Indiana. He married Bertha Hnbell
and they have two children, Francis and Mildred. Howard Mahin is
a farmer in Rush county. He married Hazel Readle, and they have
one son, James H. Florence Mahin married AVilliam McGuire, an
architect of Indianpolis. Miss Margaret R. Mahin was graduated
from the Teachers' College at Indianpolis and is now (1921) teaching
in the Webb school in Rushville township, this county. Mr. Mahin
and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Rush-
ville, of which he has been treasurer for twelve years. In politics he
is a Republican but has never sought public office, serving, however,
one term in the city council. He is a member of the Masonic frater-
nity and belongs also to the Red Men and the Odd Fellows.
ALBERT M. IIITE. The general farming and stock raising
interests of Rush county have a worthy representative in Richland
township in the person of Albert M. Hite. Not only does Mr. Hite
maintain the reputation for business-like effort established by his
father and pioneer grandfather, but. has augmented this by a dem-
onstration of what may be accomplished when one has youth, am-
bition and a clear brain in the twentieth century. Albert M. Hite
was born in Decatur county, Indiana, January 27, 1888, a son of
Lewis E. and Mary Elizabeth (Miller) Hite. William N. Hite,
father of Lewis E. Hite, was born in Virginia, where he learned
the trade of blacksmith, and as a young man came overland to
Indiana, and secured eighty acres of land in Rush county. For a
time he continued to follow his trade in a little shop on one corner
of his farm, but later turned his entire attention to farming and
became one of the successful agriculturists and stock feeders of
his locality. He accumulated 460 acres of land in Richland town-
ship, and died in his eighty-fifth year, in 1896. He married Sarah
Fisher, who was born in Ohio, and she survived him until 1913.
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ALBERT KITE
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 289
They had ten children, of whom six are now living : David F.,
Lewis E., Winfield, Eliza Jane, Irene and Lola. Lewis E. Hite
was born in 1849, in Richland township, and as a young man
adopted farming, a vocation which he has followed throughout his
life, being now the owner of 202 acres, located in Rush and Decatur
counties. He now makes his home in Fugit township, in the latter
county, where he has a well-cultivated property. Mr. Hite married
Mary Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana,
and she died leaving three sons : Edgar E., who married Eva Cart-
mel ; Albert M., and Carlos Clair, the latter of whom is unmarried
and resides with his father. After the death of his first wife, Lewis
E. Hite married Mrs. Clara (Gross) Bowman. Albert M. Hite re-
ceived his education in the public schools of Decatur county and
farmed in association with his father until several years after his
marriage, when he secured his present property, a farm of ninety-
eight and one-half acres in Richland township, this county. Under
his judicious management this farm has developed into one of the
model properties of its size in the township, it being devoted to gen-
eral farming and stock raising. On August 31, 1909, Albert M.
Hite married Cora Dunham, who was born in Berrien county, Mich-
igan, daughter of Enos and Alice (Hethman) Dunham, natives of
that same county, and they have two children, Edwin and Mary
Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Hite belong to the Christian church. He is
a blue lodge, chapter and council Mason, and is a Democrat.
JOHN R. WEIR, a successful farmer and carpenter of Noble
township, this county, was born in Laurel township, Franklin county,
Indiana, on October 17, 1857, and is the only child born to his parents,
Ashbury and Jeannette (Searne) Weir, the latter a native of Ham-
ilton county, Ohio. Ashbury Weir was born and reared in Franklin
county, Indiana, and, after completing his education he applied him-
self to the vocation of agriculture, which he followed during his
entire active life, being the owner of thirty acres of land. He died in
August, 1859, and was survived by his widow, whose death occurred
in 1902. She had been brought to Franklin county when about
twelve years of age, her parents settling north of Brookville. After
the death of her first husband, she became the wife of George Weir
and to them were born five children, of which number four are living,
Oliver N, Malissa, Sarah and Oren. The subject is descended from
sterling old English stock and his paternal grandfather, who was of
direct English descent, came to Indiana from North Carolina. John
R. Weir attended the common schools in Franklin county and when
old enough he devoted his energies to work on the home farm, where
he remained until he had attained his majority. He then rented a
farm, on field rent, operating it until he was twenty-four years of
age, then for nine years operated land for cash rent. He then came
to Rush county and rented 225 acres of the McCoy farm, to the cultiva-
tion of which he devoted himself for thirteen years. He then bought
the farm which he now owns, in Noble township, comprising fifty-one
19
290 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
and a half acres of land, which he operated until 191G, when he retired
from farming: and has since followed the trade of a carpenter. His
farm is well improved and is a valuable tract of land. Mr. Weir was
married to Lucinda Huntsinger, the daughter of Adam and Mary
(Abercrombie) Huntsinger, and they are the parents of four children,
Leora Mae, Sarah Alice (deceased), Jeremy Francis and Goldie Edith,
Jeremy Francis Weir married Ella Kingery and they have two chil-
dren, Earl Carlos and Maurice. Mr. Weir and his family are identi-
fied with the Little Flat Rock Christian Church. Politically, he is a
strong adherent of the Republican party, while, fraternally, he is a
member of the Knights of Pythias at Laurel and the Improved Order
of Red Men at Andersonville.
McCLELLAND APPLE, one of the substantial and well-known
citizens of Center township, has spent his life in this county, and
has been successful in his business affairs, building up a valuable
estate. He was born on the 19th day of April, 1866, in the township
now honored by his citizenship, and is descended from sterling old
pioneer stock, his paternal grandfather, George Apple, having come
to Rush county in 1826 and entered eighty acres of land, a part of
the subject's present farm comprising this original entry. The sub-
ject's parents were Jabez and Mary A. (Rhodes) Apple, both of
whom were born and reared in Center township. Rush county, the
father's birth occurring on October 30, 1837, and the mother's on
April 5, 1840. The father followed agricultural pursuits all his
life and became the owner of 170 acres of land in Center township.
To him and his wife were born six children, four of whom are living,
namely: Alva A., Mary M.. Cora L. and the subject of this sketch.
Sarah Jane and Rosa Almoretta died in infancy. McClelland Apple
attended the Shively Corner school in Center township, his vacation
periods being spent in work on the home farm. He remained with
his father until his marriage, when he began farming on his own
account, at first renting sixty acres of land in Center township. He
continued to rent until 1920, when he moved back to the home place,
140 acres of which he bought, and of this land all is tillable excepting
about five acres of timber land. Mr. Apple carries on a general line
of farming and stock raising, feeding about 150 head of hogs a year.
He keeps the place in good repair and is numbered among the pro-
gressive and enterprising farmers of Center township. On December
23. 1888, Mr. Apple was married to Ida B. Clark, a native of Center
township and the daughter of George W. and Elizabeth ( McBride)
Clark, the former a native of Hamilton county, Indiana, and the latter
born and reared in Rush county. George W. Clark was a farmer,
owning ten acres of land in Center township, and also followed the
carpenter trade. To him and his wife were born five children, four
of whom are living, namely : Anna J., John J., William H. and Ida
B. ; Fred C. is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Apple have had eight children,
of which number seven are living, as follows: Ola C. Mary E., George
J., Russell L., Luva L., Clara A., Leroy and Inez M. The deceased
child was Mary E., who died at the age of eight years. Ola C. Apple
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 291
who is a farmer in Center township, married Ruth M. Earnest, who
died on February 16, 1920. George J. Apple, who is farming in
Ripley township, this county, married Mazie M. Newsom. The rest
of the children are unmarried and at home. Mr. and Mrs. Apple are
members of the Center Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Apple gives
his support to the Democratic party and lends his influence to the
advancement of every enterprise for the general welfare.
JAMES ARNOLD, who followed farming in Hanover township,
Shelby county, for a number of years, but who is now living in
Carthage, Rush county, was born on December 11, 1852, in North Caro-
lina, a son of Frank and Betsey (Dosset) Arnold, also natives of the
Old North state. Frank Arnold, who was a farmer throughout his
life, brought his family to Indiana in 1858 and settled in Shelby
county, where he acquired land and rounded out his career in the
cultivation of the soil. He and his wife were the parents of five
children, of whom four survive, Alfred, James, Emily and Elizabeth.
In his boyhood, James Arnold experienced much of hardship and
little in the way of advantages as they are enjoyed by the country
lad of the present day. He attended the district school and after his
schooling was finished gave his attention to farming in association with
his father, remaining under the parental roof until the time of his mar-
riage. After his union, he was without capital and his career was
therefore started as a renter, which continued to be his status for
about twenty years. He then purchased a property of about fifteen
acres which he operated for several years, then selling out to pur-
chase a forty-acre tract adjoining forty acres which his wife had
received as an inheritance from her father. This land was located in
Hanover township, Shelby county, and Mr. Arnold continued its
operation until 1912, when he disposed of his entire property and
moved to Carthage, which has since been his home. While practically
retired from active affairs, Mr. Arnold acts as a straw buyer for
the Carthage Board and Paper Company. In 1875 Mr. Arnold mar-
ried Theodosia Graham, who was born in Shelby county, daughter of
James and Margaret. (Kendle) Graham, and to this union there
were born nine children, of whom seven are living : Walter, of Mor-
ristown, Ind., who married Sarah Unger and has three children,
Jessie, Glenn and Blanche; Maggie, who married Harry Talbert,
of Morristown, and has eight children, Maude, Clifford, Nella, Porter,
Harold. Mary, Robert and Myrtle; Frank, of Shelby county, a farmer,
who married Ethel Dennis ; Pearl, a sawmill man of Washington, Ind.,
who married Vera Rutherford, and has three children, Earl, Velma
and Alice; Oler, a farmer of Shelby county, who married Eva Van-
syock, and has three children, Louise, Juanita and Mary; William,
of Carthage, who married Grace Holbrook, and has two children, Har
old and Martha J. ; and Ona, who married Forest Rawuls, a barber, of
Carthage, and has one child, Helen Juanita. Mr. Arnold and his
family belong to the United Brethren church at Gwynneville. He
has been a supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and
for eight years was assessor of Hanover township.
292 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
JOHN E. HARRISON, former county commissioner and a
well known citizen, farmer and stock raiser of Anderson township,
this county, was born in that township on September 20, 1854, a
son of Josiah B. and Jane (Ricketts) Harrison, both of whom were
born in Nicholas county, Kentucky. Josiah B. Harrison came to
Rush county with his parents when he was twelve years old, grew to
manhood and was educated in Anderson township, married here
and engaged in farming and stockraising in Anderson township
all his active life. He prospered and owned a farm of 160 acres.
Of his family of seven children five are living : Martha, of Greens-
burg, Ind. ; I. 0., also of Greensburg; Ira, of Illinois; William, of
Colorado, and John E., of Anderson township. The last named
attended the district schools in his native township, the university
at Valparaiso, and the normal school at Danville, one year each,
after which he taught school for two years. Mr. Harrison then
became a farmer in Decatur county, where he remained eight
years, but when ready to settle permanently, he came back to Rush
county and in 1888 bought 220 acres in Anderson township. He is
now operating 340 acres, all in one body, and carries on general
farming and stockraising, feeding 150 head of hogs a year. Mr.
Harrison has improved his property and has a comfortable modern
farm residence. In 1881 he married Lista Jane Keisling, who was
born in Anderson township on October 5, 1861, and died on May
23, 1916. Her parents were Lloyd and Mary Keisling, the latter
of whom was born in Rush county and the former in Decatur
county. Lloyd Keisling came to Rush county, a miller by trade, in
1852, and settled on the place in Anderson township now owned
and occupied by Mr. Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have the
following children : George, who married Goldie Cox and has two
children, Opal M. and Pearl; Orie, who married Frank Kennett,
and died in 1908, leaving two children, Russell and Robert ; Ben,
who married Glendora Harrison and died on March 5, 1920, leaving
two children, Dorothy Bernice and Phoebe Jane; Elmer, who mar-
ried Lucy Power and has two children, Marjorie and Cecil, and
Claude and Lillian, both of whom live at home. Mr. Harrison is a
Republican and served as a member of the board of county com-
missioners from 1911 to 1919. He is a member of Milroy Lodge,
Free and Accepted Masons, at Milroy.
HENRY J. MILLER, a well-known and representative citizen of
Rush county, a successful general farmer aud stock buyer, at New
Salem, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, on February 6, 1882. and
is a son of Henry and Mary (Weasel) Miller, the former a native of
Cincinnati, Ohio, and the latter born in Harrison, that state. The
father grew to manhood in his native county and then came to Deca-
tur county, Indiana, where he was employed as a farm hand for a
number of years. Eventually he bought eighty acres of land in Ripley
county, on which he located and to the cultivation of which he devoted
his attention for almost a half century, when he retired and is now
JOHN E. HARRISON AND WIPE
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 293
making his home in New Salem. He was married in Decatur county
and to this union were born five children, four of whom are now living,
namely: Elizabeth, John, Felta and Henry J. Henry J. Miller
received his education in the common schools of Ripley county and
after the completion of his studies he was employed as a farm hand
for several years in that county. He thou came to Rush county and
for about ten years he was similarly employed and was also engaged
in buying stock for Aaron Wellman. He then entered into a partner-
ship with Mr. Wellman and for nine years they have continued to buy
live stock through this section of the country, being among the best
known men in their line of this section of the country. Mr. Miller
also looks after the cultivation of 160 acres of land, which he rents
in Noble township. He gives considerable attention to the feeding of
live stock, having fed about 440 hogs iu 1920 and is now feeding about
a carload of cattle. In 1901 Mr. Miller was married to Anna Dausch,
the daughter of William and Julia Dausch, and their xinion has been
blessed in the birth of two children, Lawrence aud Delores. Mr. and
Mrs. Miller are members of the Roman Catholic church, while, frater-
nally, Mr. Miller belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Improved
Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America.
LEROY BITNER, a well-known farmer of Rush county and a
substantial landowner of Center township, was born in that township
on May 14, 1876, and is the son of Benjamin P. and Charity (Rich)
Bitner, who also were natives of Rush county, the father having been
born on February 9, 1839, and the mother on November 5, 1840. Ben-
jamin Bitner followed farming during all his active years and became
the owner of 290 acres of land in Center township. He and his wife
were married on February 5, 1860, and became the parents of eight
children, seven of whom are living, namely : Albert, Mary, Ida, Min-
nie, India, Walter and Leroy. Leroy Bitner received his education in
the school at Mays and then, up to the time of his marriage, he
remained at home assisting with the farm work. After his marriage,
he rented land and began farming on his own account, carrying on
his operations for a year in Center township, moving then to an
eighty-acre farm in Ripley township which he rented from his father-
in-law for about a year. Mr. Bitner becoming the owner of this fai-m
by inheritance, Mr. Bitner moved to his father-in-law's farm, which
he rented for about ten years. At the end of that time he bought the
place where he now lives, comprising 109 acres, which he has continued
to cultivate to the present time, with success and profit. He is also the
owner of 200 acres of land elsewhere in Center township. Mr. Bitner
carries on a general line of farming and also gives due attention to
stock raising, that most important adjunct to successful farming, and
feeds about 350 head of hogs a year. He keeps his farms well
improved and is considered one of the leading farmers in his town-
ship. On October 18, 1899, Mr. Bitner was married to Stella J. Gilson,
who was born and reared in Center township, the daughter of William
and Samantha (Kirkpatrick) Gilson, and to them has been born one
child, Ruth M., wife of P. Parrish, a fanner in Center township.
294 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
Politically, Mr. Bitner gives his support to the Democratic party and
he takes a keen interest in public affairs, giving his support to every
movement for the advancement of the general welfare.
W. A. CAMERON, a former farmer in Richland township, but
now retired and living in New Salem, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio,
on April 30, 1857, and is a son of Alonzo and Cordelia (Lee) Cameron.
The father, who was born and reared in Cincinnati, was married there
and for a good many years he followed the business of contracting, a
part of the time in partnership with his father. They erected many
of the best buildings in Cincinnati at that time, including the Cincin-
nati hospital. To him and his wife were born three children, Lydia,
W. A. and one who died in infancy. Lydia is the wife of Robert
Dorsey. W. A. Cameron received his educational training in the
public schools of Hamilton county, Ohio, and Franklin comity,
Indiana. At the age of nine years he was brought to the latter
county by his grandparents, with whom he thereafter lived. After
completing his studies, he remained on the farm with his grandfather
until his marriage, when he bought eighty acres of land in Franklin
county. He devoted himself to the cultivation of that land until
1906, when he came to Rush county and bought a farm of 246 acres
in Richland township. He was eminently successful in his farming
operations and seven years after locating there he was able to retire
from active work and moved to New Salem, where he is now living.
Mr. Cameron married Rachel McCrady, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. George McCrady, and to this union have been born seven chil-
dren, of which number two are living, namely: Bessie, who became
the wife of Edward Scott and they have three children, Dorothy,
Robert and William; George married Jessie Beaver, to which union
were born two children, Floyd and Walter Dean. After the death of
his first wife, he married Hattie B. Shriner, the daughter of Renatius
Shriner. Politically, W. A. 'Cameron is a stanch supporter of the
Republican party, though not an aspirant for public office.
REUBEN B. HENLEY, who during the active years of his career
followed two occupations, those of farming and carpentry, in Ripley
township, is now living in comfortable retirement at Carthage, where,
in possession of a pleasant home, he is enjoying the rewards of an
industrious and well-spent life. Mr. Henley was born in Ripley town-
ship, Rush county, October 19, 1845, a son of Micajah and Ruth M.
(Bentley) Henley, the former a native of North Carolina and the
latter of Rush county, Indiana. Micajah Henley came to Rush county
in young manhood and passed the rest of his life here, becoming the
owner of 120 acres of land in Ripley township and applying himself
industriously to the pursuits of agriculture. He and his wife were
the parents of eight children, of whom seven are living: Reuben B.,
Caroline V., Mary S., Harlan H., Eve H., Lenora and Rose. The third
child in order of birth, Lavina, is deceased. Reuben B. Henley was
educated in the district schools of Ripley township, where he attended
the Beach Grove schoolhouse, and on completing his studies took up
farming in association with his father. He was thus employed until
HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY 295
the time of his marriage, when he embarked upon an agricultural
career of his own, having, just before that time, purchased eighty
acres of land in association with his brother, Harlan H. Henley. The
brothers farmed in partnership for about twelve years, when Reuben
B. Henley bought his brother's interest in the property, but after
several years disposed of the entire tract and became a renter. He
continued to be thus occupied until 1910 when he gave up farming
and moved to Carthage, where he applied himself to the carpenter
trade, a vocation which he had learned in his youth and which he had
followed intermittently throughout his career. In 1917 he gave up
all active pursuits and settled down to a life of quiet and contented
retirement. Mr. Henley was married in 1872 to Rachael Young, who
was born and educated in the rural districts of Rush county, daughter
of Joseph W. and Sarah (Binford) Young. Of the five children of
Mr. and Mrs. Young, Mrs. Henley is the only survivor. Pour children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henley, of whom three survive : Her-
bert O. Henley, an electrician of Greenfield, Ind., who married Jessie
Kurts and has had two children, of whom one is living, Kurts ; Lillian
R. Henley, who is unmarried and makes her home with her parents,
and Harry Grant Henley, a United States rural mail carrier out of
Carthage, who married Ruby Stevens and has two children, Ruth B.
and Florence M. Mr. Henley has been ever ready to discharge the
duties of good citizenship and at various times has been called upon
by his fellow citizens to occupy offices of public trust. For eight
years he served as road supervisor of Ripley township and for a like
period acted as township assessor, while in 1910 he rendered service in
taking the census of that township. He is a stanch Republican in
politics, and his fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, past noble grand of the Carthage lodge. With his fam-
ily, Mr. Henley belongs to the Friends Meeting at Carthage.
JOHN W. LOGAN, a retired farmer and substantial citizen of
Rushville, was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, December 16, 1850,
a son of Thomas and Sarah (Lafforge) Logan. Both parents were
born in Rush county, Indiana, where they were reared and married.
In 1847 they moved to Iowa, where the father followed farming for
seventeen years, then returned with his family to Rush county,
where both parents died in advanced age, the father, November 12,
1912, and the mother, November 14, 1914. Their burial was in the
Hurst cemetery near Homer. The father prospered in Rush county,
acquiring 400 acres of land. John W. Logan is one of a family of
twelve children, the other survivors being: Elizabeth J., of Hunting-
ton county, Indiana; Harriet A., of Noble township, Rush county;
Mary E., of Walker township, Rush county; Emma, of Milroy, Rush
county; Alice, of Whitley county, Indiana; Clara, of Huntington
county ; Myrto, of Rushville ; and Mattie, of Walker township, Rush
county. In boyhood John W. Logan attended the district schools in
Walker township for a time and then began farming for his father,
with whom he remained until twenty-eight years old, at which time
he bought sixty acres of land for himself, in Walker township. He
296 HISTORY OF RUSH COUNTY
took a great deal of interest in this property, on which he lived for
thirty years. He not only developed it into a profitable farm enter-
prise, but made it attractive by erecting substantial farm buildings
and making other improvements. Although he made no feature of
exploring for gas, he had one well on the property that he converted
to his own use. In 1902 he sold that farm and bought 185 acres in
Union township, which he still owns, operating it until 1917, when
he retired from active business life and moved to Rushville. Here
Mr. Logan bought a handsome, modern residence located at 1209
North Perkins street. On September 18, 1879, he married Mary E.
Hilligoss, who was born in this county, daughter of Elliott and Ros-
anna (Sells) Hilligoss. Mr. and Mrs. Logan have five children:
Grace, the wife of Rue Miller, a farmer in Walker township, who has
one child, Lotus; Frank L., a farmer in Union township, who married
Nellie MeMillian, and has three children, Russell, Wayne and Wava;
Fred R., a farmer in Union township, who married Ruby M. Me-
Millian, and has one child, William J., Thomas E., now operating the
home farm in Union township, who married Clara Kirkpatrick. and
has one child, Lucile M. ; and Sally Jane, who married Lowell C.
Vickrey, a farmer in Union township, this county, and has one child,
Loren L. Mr. Logan and his family are members of the Plum
Creek Christian Church. He has always been a Democrat in his
political views but has never aspired to public office.
JOHN F. KRUG, a well-known farmer of Richland township,
whose life has been characterized by industry, honesty and stead-
fastness of purpose, is a native son of Indiana, having been born in
Decatur county on April 9, 1882, and he is a son of John G. and
Christina (Loons) Krug, the latter a native of Hamilton county,
Ohio. John G. Krug was born and reared in Bremen, Germany,
where he remained until twenty-eight years of age. He then emi-
grated to the United States, coming at once to the Middle West and
locating at Cincinnati, Ohio. Sometime after his marriage, which
occurred in that city, he moved to Ripley county, Indiana, where he
took up farming. Subsequently he moved to Decatur county, In-
diana, where he remained until bis removal to Richland township,
this county, whence he again returned to Decatur county, where he
spent the remainder of his days. During practically his entire life
he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and was a man of indus-
trious habits and staunch character. He and his wife became the
parents of six children, five of whom are now living, as follows :
Mary, Margaret, Elizabeth, John F. and Anna. John F. Krug was
reared in the parental home in Decatur county and secured his edu-
cation in the public schools. Upon taking up work on his own ac-
count, he was for a time employed as a farmer by his father and
others up to the time of his marriage. He then rented a farm of
eighty acres and operated rented land until 1917, when he bought
the farm on which he now resides, comprising eighty-five acres.
He is farming 296 acres altogether and is achieving pronounced
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JOHN F. KRUG AND WIFE
HISTORY OP RUSH COUNTY 297
success. Mr. Krug also gives some attention to live stock, feeding
two ear loads of hogs a year. Mr. Krug was married to Myrtle
Christian, the daughter of Wesley and Nannie (Young) Christian.
They are members of the United Brethren church, of which Mr.
Krug has been one of the most active workers, having served at
one time as superintendent of the Sabbath school and is now assist-
ant class leader and assistant Sunday school teacher. He has al-
ways been an earnest supporter of the cause of total prohibition of
the liquor traffic and stands staunchly for the best things in life,
exerting his influence for everything which promises to better his
community in any way. Mrs. Krug also was born in Decatur
county and was there reared. Her father, Wesley Christian, was
born in Ohio and her mother was born in Kentucky. Wesley Chris-
tian was a substantial farmer in Decatnr county and he and his
wife were the parents of seven children, those besides Mrs. Krug
being Edward, Albert, Lucy, Miriam, Lena and Bina.
VAN HOOD,